The friendly between the teams of England and Costa Rica, scheduled for this Wednesday (10) at the Inter&Co Stadium, in Orlando, United States, had its start postponed due to a strong storm.
Intense rain and lightning hit the region shortly before the ball was scheduled to roll, at 5pm (Brasília time). The English team informed that, after inspecting the pitch, the new start time was set at 6pm, as long as safety conditions were reestablished.
Images shared on social media show the lawn soaked and the stadium’s big screen displaying lightning warnings. Drainage crews worked at the scene while the organization monitored the weather.
The postponement occurred in England’s last test before the 2026 World Cup. The team led by coach Thomas Tuchel will debut in the competition against Croatia, on June 17, in Group L, which also includes Ghana and Panama.
Costa Rica, which is going through a process of renewal, used the game to gain momentum in the competition. The clash is part of the Florida Series, an initiative that takes major teams to friendly matches in the United States on the eve of the World Cup.
Rain had already marked another friendly in the USA
On Tuesday (9), the pre-game between Argentina and Iceland, in Auburn, Alabama, also faced heavy rain. Unlike the case in Orlando, the match took place within the scheduled time after conditions improved.
Why the weather interferes so much with preparations for the World Cup
Orlando, Florida is known for its humid tropical climate, with frequent late afternoon summer thunderstorms. The episode reinforces a logistical challenge for the 2026 World Cup, which will be played in 11 cities in the USA, Canada and Mexico — several of them at risk of adverse weather conditions in June and July.
Lightning safety protocols, common in large American stadiums, prioritize evacuating open areas and stopping outdoor activities when lightning strikes are nearby.
England arrive at the tournament after a 1-0 victory over New Zealand last Saturday in Tampa. The team seeks to adjust final details before kicking off the World Cup.
