World Cup match delayed due to thunderstorm as weather warning is issued

The second half of France’s World Cup match against Iraq has been delayed due to a thunderstorm.

France and Iraq kicked off at 10pm BST on Tuesday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

The rain suddenly came teeming down on the pitch towards the end of the first halfAFP

The rain suddenly came teeming down on the playing surface in the closing stages of the first half.

And because lightning activity was found within eight miles of the stadium, the start of the second half has been delayed.

Fans in attendance are understood to have been told to ‘exit the open seating areas’ of the ground due to ‘approaching weather.’

Once 15 minutes has passed without lightning in the radius, the players will be allowed back onto the pitch to warm up before the match is resumed.

Les Bleus are currently 1-0 up thanks to a piledriver by Kylian Mbappe.

France are looking to book their place in the knockout stage with a victory having beaten Senegal in their opening fixture.

Meanwhile, Iraq are eyeing their first points after losing 4-1 to Norway last time out.

The 2026 World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, has been scheduled during peak storm season in several parts of these countries.

US and FIFA regulations dictate that matches must be halted if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of a stadium.

Last summer’s Club World Cup in America was hit by weather-related disruptions, including a match between Chelsea and Benfica.

A match can only resume after 30 minutes has passed since the last lightning strike and that countdown will reset should more inclement weather come.

England’s pre-World Cup friendly win over Costa Rica was delayed by an hour on the eve of the tournament.

The 2026 World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, has been scheduled during peak storm season in several parts of these countries.

US and FIFA regulations dictate that matches must be halted if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of a stadium.

Last summer’s Club World Cup in America was hit by weather-related disruptions, including a match between Chelsea and Benfica.

A match can only resume after 30 minutes has passed since the last lightning strike and that countdown will reset should more inclement weather come.

England’s pre-World Cup friendly win over Costa Rica was delayed by an hour on the eve of the tournament.

This is a breaking story and more detail will follow soon.