Severe weather conditions could cause major disruptions to Monday’s World Cup clash between Norway and Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with forecasters warning of heavy rain, flash flooding and strong winds.
According to weather forecasts, rain is expected to intensify throughout the day, with thunderstorms potentially bringing wind gusts of up to 50 mph. Authorities have also warned that rainfall rates could reach 1-2 inches per hour, raising the risk of localized flooding across parts of New York City and northern New Jersey.
New York City officials have urged fans to monitor weather updates and avoid unnecessary travel during severe conditions. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said public agencies had been preparing for the storms since last week and stressed that safety should take priority over travel plans.
The weather threat could affect both spectators and match operations. Under FIFA safety protocols, matches can be delayed or suspended if lightning is detected near a stadium, with play only resuming after a mandatory waiting period. Similar weather-related interruptions have already affected football events in North America over the past year.
The Norway-Senegal match is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. local time. Organisers are advising supporters to expect traffic congestion and possible travel delays as severe weather coincides with the evening rush hour.
