SportFootballWorld Cup 2026FIFA are facing potential problems from weather delays for final World Cup group matches that are set to get underway at the same time11:40, 24 Jun 2026Updated 11:49, 24 Jun 2026The final World Cup group stage games may be susceptible to manipulation, with FIFA acknowledging that fixtures may not be played simultaneously due to potential weather delays. France's clash with Iraq is thus far the only match that has been impacted by severe storms, with that clash ending nearly four hours on from kick-off.‌With it being each teams' second group game, the delay was not a major issue. But that may not be the case if a key fixture over the coming days is impacted by heavy rain or lightning.‌Since the 1982 World Cup, where the infamous "disgrace of Dijon" took place, final group matches have been scheduled for the same kick-off time. In that tournament, West Germany and Austria were accused of settling for a 1-0 win for the former to ensure both teams qualified for the knockout stages at the expense of Algeria.‌However, there is no guarantee that ruling is able to continue over the next few days with The Times reporting there is not a special provision in place for possible adverse summer weather conditions.There is however a clear ruling in place with Article 12.4 of the official regulations stating: “The last two matches in each group shall have simultaneous kick-off times on the same day, unless stipulated otherwise by Fifa (e.g. in cases of force majeure).”With no official line on games finishing at the same, FIFA will be relying on the integrity of the two teams impacted by any suspensions caused by the weather.‌Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by _ signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!In the only incident at this tournament so far, France were leading Iraq 1-0 when half-time arrived. Torrential rain had lashed down in the closing stages of the first 45 minutes with a forecast of thunderstorms over Philadelphia initially stopping the players from returning to the pitch for the second half.The adverse conditions eventually passed which saw the game resume after a delay of nearly two hours with France going on to win 3-0.‌England were impacted by the unpredictable United States weather before the tournament started with their final warm-up friendly against New Zealand getting underway one hour later than planned.Though there was no sign of thunder or lightning, England's second group game against Ghana was played in rainy conditions with Thomas Tuchel's side forced to settle for a disappointing 0-0 draw.‌Croatia's 1-0 win over Panama a few hours later has seen the latter, who the Three Lions face this Saturday, eliminated from the World Cup.The final set of group games kick off on Wednesday evening with Switzerland taking on Canada in a straight shoot-out for top spot. Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina meanwhile, will be looking for a win to likely qualify as a best third-place team.Scotland's enticing clash against Brazil follows later in the evening while Morocco face already-eliminated Haiti.Article continues belowContent cannot be displayed without consentChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌World Cup 2026FIFA