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Lightning strikes Manhattan twice, forcing ITV presenters off air during Sweden's 5-1 rout of Tunisia

ITV's World Cup studio team was driven indoors during live coverage of Sweden's 5-1 Group F win over Tunisia after lightning struck One World Trade Centre twice in Manhattan, New York. Presenter Semra Hunter and pundit Jobi McAnuff addressed viewers from inside after the dramatic weather event.

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Lightning strikes Manhattan twice, forcing ITV presenters off air during Sweden's 5-1 rout of Tunisia
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ITV’s World Cup broadcast team was forced to abandon their outdoor studio in Manhattan on Monday after lightning struck One World Trade Centre twice during live coverage of Sweden’s 5-1 Group F victory over Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico.

Presenter Semra Hunter addressed viewers directly after the incident, saying: “Lightning strikes the top of One World Trade Centre right here in Manhattan, not once but twice! Because of that, we’ve had to come inside!”

Pundit Jobi McAnuff acknowledged the hasty retreat with characteristic understatement. “We are quite brave at the best of times,” he said, “but I think after seeing that it is best to run for cover and be safe in here.”

The weather drama in New York came as Sweden delivered a commanding performance on the pitch in Mexico. Liverpool striker Alexander Isak and Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres were both in fine form for Graham Potter’s side, helping Sweden open their World Cup 2026 campaign with a dominant win.

The 5-1 scoreline left Sweden well placed at the top of Group F after the opening round of fixtures.

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