France vs Iraq could be at risk of delays this evening as forecast storms threaten to keep fans out of their seats.
The two are due to play their second World Cup group stage match against one another this evening, with France heavy favourites.
However, inclement weather looks set to disrupt the game at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.
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Severe storms are expected over Philadelphia this evening
Big storms are expected for tonight’s match between, meaning FIFA officials are preparing protocols put in place for such an eventuality.
Included in those measures are fans being kept either in concourses or emergency shelter facilities.
The FIFA regulations state that the game will have to be halted if lightning strikes within eight miles of the stadium, with fans removed from their seats.
The game then cannot resume until there have been 30 lightning-free minutes.
Should the game continue to be interrupted, it’s possible that it is pushed back until tomorrow.
Lauren Lambrugo, chief operating officer of Philadelphia Soccer 2026 told The Mirror: “They’ll start to evacuate the stadium to the main concourse and seek emergency shelter.
“And then it has to wait 30 minutes prior to them bringing everybody back on the field.
“They will make sure that the match is broadcast and played tomorrow.”
Storms had been expected to cause problems for games at this summer’s tournament, but as of yet no matches have been affected.
Only a warm-up game between England and Costa Rica has suffered delays.
Last summer’s Club World Cup, which was also held in the USA, was a different story with several games delayed or temporarily suspended due to inclement weather.
