The incident represents the second weather-related disruption of the current tournament, following a prior group-stage match where France's 3-0 win over Iraq was suspended for more than two hours due to severe weather alerts at halftime.
While FIFA manages the World Cup tournament, safety protocols regarding electrical storms are dictated by the guidelines of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
According to NOAA regulations, matches must be suspended immediately if lightning or an electrical discharge is identified within an eight-mile radius of the sporting venue.
Under those safety rules, players and team staff must retreat to the changing rooms, while spectators are advised to seek shelter inside the stadium structure.
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Play can only resume under NOAA protocols if no further lightning strikes are detected within the designated eight-mile radius for a consecutive period of 30 minutes.
