England's final World Cup warm-up friendly against Costa Rica has been delayed due to severe stormy weather in Orlando, Florida. The match, scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m. local time (9 p.m. BST) at Inter&Co Stadium, was postponed as lightning, thunder, and torrential downpours swept through the area, leaving much of the playing surface submerged in water.
Storm Delays Kick-off
The extreme weather conditions prompted officials to delay the start of the match for safety reasons. Fans at the stadium were advised to seek shelter from the lightning strikes, which posed a significant risk to spectators and players alike. The delay comes as a precautionary measure, with authorities monitoring the situation closely.
Impact on England's Preparations
This friendly was seen as a crucial part of England's preparations for the 2026 World Cup, offering the squad a final opportunity to fine-tune tactics and build momentum. The delay disrupts the team's schedule, but safety remains the top priority. Further updates are expected as the weather improves.
More details to follow as the situation develops.
