Scotland vs Brazil at risk of lengthy delay due to FIFA rule
Scotland are set to take on Brazil in Miami tonight (24 June), with a kick-off at 6pm local time (11pm BST).
Following a win against Haiti and a loss to Morocco, the Tartan Army say they're on the 'brink of history' as the team prepares for their final Group C game.
However, there are thunderstorms forecast in Miami with the severe weather potentially set to cause lengthy delays to the World Cup fixture, or for it to be paused.
If the stadium is impacted by lightning, it could delay the football - just as the Group I match between France and Iraq on Monday was halted for two hours due to strikes in the area in Philadelphia.
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The local forecasts have predicted lightning in the area at around 7.00pm.
And if this is the case anywhere within an eight-mile radius of the Miami Stadium, then both teams will have to get off the pitch for at least half an hour. That's as there must be at least a 30-minute wait after the last lightning strike.
As us Brits know all to well with the weather, a thunderstorm delay could go on for hours. So, Scots at home may be having an even later night tonight.
Head coach Steve Clarke said yesterday that Scotland has put plans in place to deal with any weather delays that could impact tonight's crucial match.
As he arrived at the stadium to speak with the media, thunder and lightning flashed and clapped above.
"I think so far we've probably been a little bit lucky with the weather," he said. "Looking at the forecast, it's possible that there will be some rain disruptions."
Clarke added: "We have a strategy in mind on how to deal with it. Obviously, you don't know how long the delay is going to be.
"They're always doing it off the last lightning strike. You've got to wait 30 minutes off the last lightning strike, so that can just roll on and roll on.
"If there is to be a delay, then hopefully it will be a short one but we have an idea of what we'll do if it happens to us."
Nonetheless, the weather hasn't stopped Scotland fans from showing their support in Miami, knowing a win will secure the team's spot in the round of 32.
Larbert local Stevie Parker told BBC Scotland News: "I think they will do it. It feels like we are on the brink of history.
"I think this is the year we might just scrape over the line.
"It'll be a historic day and the perfect end to a long arduous trip for the Tartan Army."
Meanwhile, Scotland captain Andy Robertson says the team are raring to go for the match with Brazil.
He said: "It’s one that we look forward to. We are playing against a massive country, the most iconic in World Cups, obviously most decorated.
"But it also gives us an opportunity to achieve our dreams as well.
"We want to achieve history for our little country. We have an opportunity to do that tomorrow night."
Well, let's hope the weather lets them have a crack at that.
New rules for the FIFA World Cup 2026
This year, there’s been a whole host of rule changes, many of which are designed to speed up the game and penalise players who drag things out. Some of the new regulations are likely to prove controversial.
10-second substitution
Subbed players now have to get a move on and leave the pitch within ten seconds by the nearest exit point. If they haven’t, their replacement will get held up by one minute until the next stoppage of play, and until then, their side will have to play with 10 men.
5-second throw-ins and goal kicks
If a referee thinks a player is taking too long for a throw-in or goal kick, they’ll start a five-second countdown, by which time the ball needs to be back in play. If it’s not, for throw-ins the opposing team will get their own throw-in, or for a goal kick the other side gets a corner.
Injured players to remain off the pitch for one minute
An injured player treated by medical staff off-field has to stay off the pitch for one minute, leaving their side with just 10 players.
More VAR
VAR can now be used to review an incorrectly awarded corner kick; second yellow cards resulting in a red card; when a player is incorrectly awarded a yellow or red card for another player’s actions; and any attacking fouls that occur before the ball is in play.
Players can’t cover their mouths
Players who cover their mouths in confrontational situations will be handed a red card. It’s believed players might cover their mouths to guard against lip readers while racially abusing other players, which some suspect has happened in the past.
Red cards for players leaving the pitch
Any player who leaves the pitch in protest over a referee’s decision will be handed a red card, and if a team walks off and causes a match to be abandoned, they’ll forfeit the game.
Jess Battison