World Cup host city Guadalajara hit by power outages amid severe storms

Guadalajara, one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup, is grappling with severe weather disruptions, including consecutive days of power outages caused by intense thunderstorms.

The city has been hit by heavy downpours and lightning, leading to fallen trees and power poles. This has resulted in unexpected power outages, affecting journalists covering the event and fans attending viewing parties. One hotel housing journalists experienced power loss for nearly two days, forcing them to relocate.

The unpredictable weather patterns have raised questions about the city's readiness to host major international events. The infrastructure's vulnerability to severe weather, particularly the lack of adequate backup power systems, has become apparent.

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Is this really a World Cup host city? Unexpected power outages occurred for two consecutive days due to thunder and lightning from heavy rain.

Beyond the immediate inconvenience, the erratic weather poses a significant challenge for the upcoming World Cup matches scheduled in Guadalajara and the nearby city of Zapopan. The South Korean national team, preparing for their match against Mexico, is particularly concerned. Coach Hong Myung-bo has acknowledged the weather as a key variable, noting the frequent afternoon rain forecasts.

Teams are now preparing for the possibility of playing in "waterlogged" conditions. Heavy rain can significantly alter game dynamics by reducing ball friction, increasing speed, making ball control difficult, and causing greater fatigue due to wet uniforms. While the stadium boasts advanced drainage systems, FIFA's policy generally allows matches to proceed under normal rainfall.

The unpredictable weather in Guadalajara adds another layer of challenge for teams already adjusting to the high altitude, making the city's climate a critical factor to monitor as the tournament progresses.

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The forecast shows rain every afternoon. Indeed, it rained heavily here last night. We will flexibly decide when to train in the morning or afternoon after closely communicating with the players and checking their condition.