The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has brought together champions from across the globe, igniting drama, passion, and unpredictability on American soil. One of the most anticipated group stage fixtures, Palmeiras vs. Al Ahly, was expected to deliver fireworks—but not the kind that came from the sky.
As two of the most successful clubs outside Europe—Al Ahly, the African giants, and Palmeiras, the Brazilian powerhouses—took the field at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, both teams knew what was at stake. With the group still wide open after each side recorded 0-0 draws in their opening matches, this clash was poised to shape the destiny of Group A, which also includes Inter Miami and Porto.
But just as the game began to hit its stride, an unexpected event halted the momentum entirely.
The match was heating up—Literally
The opening hour of the match had delivered intensity, urgency, and a clear sign that Palmeiras came to play. After breaking the deadlock in the first half, the Brazilian side doubled its lead through striker Flaco Lopez, who finished a sharp counterattack that left Al Ahly stunned.
It was a vital goal—one that appeared to place Palmeiras in the driver’s seat for qualification to the Round of 16. But within minutes of the goal celebration, everything changed.
At exactly the 61st minute, the referee blew his whistle—not for a foul, not for a substitution, but to suspend the match altogether.
The mystery behind the suspension
Fans inside the stadium and around the world were left confused. The players were quickly ushered off the field, and officials began making announcements without initially providing much clarity. But the cause of the interruption soon became evident.
“The match between Al Ahly and Palmeiras has been temporarily suspended due to severe weather in New Jersey,” FIFA officials confirmed shortly after.
What had looked like a warm summer evening quickly turned into a dangerous storm front. Thunderstorms rolled across the area, accompanied by heavy rain, intense lightning, and temperatures soaring to 34°C (93°F). The match officials, in line with FIFA’s extreme weather protocols, made the decision to suspend the game for player safety.
A weather alert was issued until 9:00 PM local time, prompting organizers to delay any decisions about resumption until the conditions were safe.
