At Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina on 28/6, Chelsea led 1-0 thanks to a Reece James free-kick until the 84th minute. Due to lightning in the area, Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic halted the match, as per FIFA regulations, and instructed players and fans to seek shelter.

Coach Enzo Maresca speaks after Chelsea's 4-1 victory against Benfica in the round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Bank of America Stadium, North Carolina, USA on 28/6. Photo: FIFA

When play resumed, with many of the 25,929 spectators having left, Benfica were awarded a penalty in stoppage time for a handball by Malo Gusto. Former Real Madrid and Man Utd star Angel Di Maria converted the penalty, sending the match into extra time. Chelsea then scored three goals through Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Dewsbury-Hall to end the five-hour ordeal.

"We controlled the game and created enough chances to win", Maresca said after the match. "After the delay, the game changed completely. This isn't football, it's a joke. You can't stay in the changing room for that long. I understand stopping the match for security reasons. But if 7 or 8 matches are stopped, maybe this isn't the right place to host the tournament".

According to FIFA regulations, a match must be postponed for at least 30 minutes after a lightning strike. The Chelsea-Benfica match was delayed for 1 hour and 53 minutes, the second-longest weather delay in the tournament's history.

Maresca argued that it's difficult for players to maintain focus and performance after a two-hour break in the locker room. "During that time, they eat, joke around, and talk to their families outside for safety reasons. How can you keep them focused for two hours? It's a joke", the Italian coach fumed.

Storm clouds gather over Bank of America Stadium after referee Slavko Vincic signals a halt to the match. Photo: Reuters

Prior to the Chelsea-Benfica game, storms had caused delays in six matches at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, held in various cities. Teams also faced a heatwave affecting much of the eastern and central USA, raising concerns about the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the USA.

"But something happened, 6 or 7 matches were postponed, maybe the decision-makers need a reason because postponing a match is unusual", Maresca quipped. "In a World Cup, how many matches are postponed? Probably none. The same goes for the Euros. But after just two weeks here, the tournament has postponed 6 or 7 matches. There are definitely problems".

When asked if the numerous delays affected the tournament, the 45-year-old coach replied: "Please, don't misunderstand me. I said this is a great tournament. The FIFA Club World Cup is very prestigious. We are very happy to be in the top 8".

Chelsea advanced to the quarterfinals to face Palmeiras, who also needed 120 minutes to defeat fellow Brazilian side Botafogo 1-0. The match will take place at Lincoln Financial Field in Pennsylvania at 8 a.m. on 5/8, Hanoi time.

Hong Duy (ESPN)