Tunisia vs Netherlands LIVE: World Cup game cancellation fears as fans 'hide in buses'

2 hours ago 2

Fans said they were hiding in buses.

22:50, Thu, Jun 25, 2026 Updated: 22:50, Thu, Jun 25, 2026

Arrowhead Stadium

Arrowhead Stadium (Image: X)

World Cup fans at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas are hiding in buses due to severe lightning ahead of Netherlands vs Tunisia.

The Netherlands-Tunisia match is scheduled to start at 6 pm Thursday at Arrowhead Stadium, which is temporarily renamed Kansas City Stadium for the duration of the World Cup. It has been reported that fans have been told to "stay inside" the stadium amidst the unsettled conditions.

Journalist Daniel Storeym who is reporting from the stadium, posted on X: "Not an ideal start in Arrowhead ahead of Netherlands vs Tunisia. Fans in the stands early are being told to go inside due to incoming storms. Might be a long evening but hopefully clears pre-game."

MORE UPDATES TO FOLLOW...

7 mins ago22:50 Astha Saxena

FIFA Fan Festival closed due to adverse weather

Sharing an update on X, FIFA World Cup 26 Kansas City said: "Due to today’s ongoing adverse weather, FIFA Fan Festival™ City will not reopen today.

"The safety of the public, staff, volunteers and entertainers remains our top priority.

"ConnectKC26 bus service will continue to operate unless weather conditions make it unsafe to operate. Please continue to follow official KC2026 channels for the latest information."

Due to today\u2019s ongoing adverse weather, FIFA Fan Festival\u2122 Kansas City will not reopen today. The safety of the public, staff, volunteers and entertainers remains our top priority. ConnectKC26 bus service will continue to operate unless weather conditions make it unsafe to\u2026 pic.twitter.com/D733ue0Qng

\u2014 FIFA World Cup 26 Kansas City (@FWC26KansasCity) June 25, 2026

23 mins ago22:34 Astha Saxena

Fans reportedly allowed to go inside

Sam McDowell, sports columnist for The Kansas City Star posted on X: "They are allowing fans inside Arrowhead Stadium to take their seats, with a message that 'the weather threat has cleared' on the Jumbotron."

30 mins ago22:27 Astha Saxena

What happens when weather affects a FIFA World Cup soccer match

Earlier this month, FIFA issued a statement to The Sporting News.

It said: "In the event of severe weather conditions such as lightning or thunderstorms, FIFA will implement a thorough procedure based on public safety standards, providing clear and specific safety guidelines to all stakeholders involved.

"FIFA has dedicated meteorological support throughout the tournament to provide accurate forecasting and strengthen real-time operational decision-making."

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

33 mins ago22:24 Astha Saxena

Officials monitoring the situation

Officials are monitoring the situation as the teams gear up to play.

We are continuing to monitor the ongoing adverse weather, and the Region Direct, Stadium Direct and Airport Direct services. Temporary pauses in service may occur throughout the day as storms move through.

Please continue to follow instructions from event staff on site and\u2026 pic.twitter.com/S7rJ8K7zqx

\u2014 FIFA World Cup 26 Kansas City (@FWC26KansasCity) June 25, 2026

43 mins ago22:14 Astha Saxena

Can the match be paused or delayed?

World Cup matches will be temporarily halted or postponed if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium, and play can only resume once 30 minutes have passed since the last strike.

According to Reuters, the match between France and Iraq in Philadelphia on Monday experienced a delay of nearly two hours due to thunderstorms and lightning conditions.

55 mins ago22:02 Charlie Bradley

Fans told 'stay inside'

Journalist Daniel Storey reports from the stadium in Kansas: "Not an ideal start in Arrowhead ahead of Netherlands vs Tunisia. Fans in the stands early are being told to go inside due to incoming storms. Might be a long evening but hopefully clears pre-game."

Not an ideal start in Arrowhead ahead of Netherlands vs Tunisia. Fans in the stands early are being told to go inside due to incoming storms. Might be a long evening but hopefully clears pre-game. pic.twitter.com/aqp3eojXgD

— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) June 25, 2026

1 hour ago21:56 Astha Saxena

Situation at Arrowhead Stadium

Forecasts call for heavy rain, flash flooding and thunderstorms. The National Weather Service says rainfall and thunderstorms will mainly be after 4 pm.

1 hour ago21:53 Astha Saxena