In a dramatic turn during the Benfica vs Auckland City clash at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, the second half was halted due to fierce weather sweeping across Orlando’s Inter & Co. Stadium. With Benfica leading 1-0—thanks to a coolly slotted penalty by Ángel Di María—the skies crashed the game’s rhythm, yet again. This marks the latest in a string of storm-induced delays plaguing the tournament. As thunder rolls through American venues, questions rise—can the world’s grandest club contest outplay the forces of nature?

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Fixture: Benfica vs Auckland City

• Status: Second half delayed due to storm in Orlando

• Current Score: Benfica leads 1-0

• Scorer: Ángel Di María (penalty before halftime)

• Previous Disruptions:

  • Palmeiras vs Al Ahly suspended in 66th minute (Thursday)

  • Mamelodi Sundowns vs Ulsan delayed 65 minutes

  • Pachuca vs RB Salzburg halted due to lightning

• Concern: Repeated weather disruptions affecting tournament consistency

The much-anticipated Benfica vs Auckland City clash at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 experienced an unexpected interruption on Friday evening, as severe weather conditions forced the delay of the second half at the Inter & Co. Stadium in Orlando. With fans anticipating a dramatic finish, nature once again took center stage.

The Portuguese giants, Benfica, entered halftime with a slender 1-0 lead over their New Zealand opponents. The lone goal came moments before the break, when veteran Argentine forward Ángel Di María converted a penalty, handing his side a deserved advantage in a tightly contested first half.

Another Day, Another Delay

Friday’s weather-related disruption is not an isolated incident. In fact, it marks the second day in a row that the FIFA Club World Cup has had to grapple with storms and lightning threats. On Thursday, the Group A encounter between Brazilian side Palmeiras and Egyptian club Al Ahly was abruptly suspended in the 66th minute at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, once again due to an anticipated storm system.

The trend is beginning to raise concerns about scheduling and player safety, with unpredictable summer weather patterns in the U.S. impacting the tournament’s flow. The Benfica vs Auckland City delay is just the latest in a string of interruptions.

Orlando Weather Continues to Challenge Organizers

Orlando, a central location for several group stage matches, has already seen multiple disruptions. Earlier in the competition, the Group F clash between South African club Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan Hyundai from South Korea was delayed by over an hour. A 65-minute postponement due to lightning threats pushed the kickoff far past its scheduled time, frustrating both players and fans.

Another match—Group H’s showdown between Mexico’s Pachuca and Austria’s RB Salzburg—also fell victim to similar weather challenges. That game was halted mid-play after lightning activity was reported in the surrounding area, prompting safety protocols to be enacted.

Player Safety Comes First

FIFA’s match officials and local authorities have taken a clear stance on prioritizing safety, following standard procedure to pause or suspend matches when lightning or storm activity is detected within close proximity to the venue. These decisions, while sometimes frustrating for viewers and teams, are essential to ensure the well-being of all involved.

Despite the interruptions, fans remain hopeful that the weather will stabilize and allow the tournament to proceed without further incidents. The current situation has, however, sparked discussions about the selection of summer venues in regions known for volatile weather patterns.

What’s Next for Benfica and Auckland City?

As the skies cleared in Orlando, match officials remained on alert, waiting for favorable conditions to resume the game. For Benfica, the lead offers a comfortable but not definitive edge. For Auckland City, the weather delay could either disrupt momentum or provide a valuable chance to regroup.

With high stakes and global attention, every minute counts—and both teams will be eager to conclude the fixture and move forward in the tournament.