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The shadow of a Boeing 737 unexpectedly swept across the Levi's Stadium pitch during the match between Qatar and Switzerland . |
The World Cup is always a breeding ground for unforgettable moments. Sometimes it's a spectacular goal, a silly mistake, or an emotional celebration. But at Levi's Stadium in California, one of the most shared images in recent days has come from... the sky.
During the match between Qatar and Switzerland in Group B of the 2026 World Cup, millions of television viewers were surprised to see a giant black shadow glide across the pitch while the ball was still in motion.
The moment lasted only a few seconds, but it was enough to cause a social media frenzy. Many viewers initially didn't understand what was happening when a shape resembling an airplane clearly appeared on the field.
The answer was given shortly afterwards.
According to flight tracking data shared by fans, the "culprit" was Southwest Airlines flight WN3698. The Boeing 737 had just taken off from San Jose International Airport and was en route to San Diego.
What makes Levi's Stadium special is its location. The stadium is situated not too far from major air routes around the San Francisco Bay Area. When planes fly overhead at the right time, the sunlight hits them at the perfect angle, casting shadows onto the pitch, creating a rare sight on international television.
Viewed from an aerial angle, the shadow almost completely covered a third of the field. With the speed of the aircraft, the enormous dark shadow quickly glided across the center of the field before disappearing.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first World Cup to be held in three countries, spanning multiple major cities across North America. This also creates a very different landscape compared to previous World Cups.
From stadiums nestled in urban centers and bustling traffic routes to skies filled with commercial aircraft, this year's tournament has consistently featured interesting details beyond the professional aspects of the game.
The Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 was certainly not the star of the match between Qatar and Switzerland. Yet, for just a few brief seconds, it created one of the most unique moments of the 2026 World Cup so far.
Source: https://znews.vn/bong-may-bay-gay-sot-world-cup-post1660439.html
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