Fans blocked from entering World Cup match as storms threaten two games

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFans are seen in the rain before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between France and Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium on June 22, 2026 (Getty Images)World Cup organisers postponed the opening of gates at Philadelphia Stadium Monday due to severe weather ahead of the France v Iraq match. Fans were advised not to travel to the venue if they were not already nearby, and those in the vicinity were instructed to seek shelter while officials monitored the situation. Gates opened after a 40-minute delay but the bad weather could trigger more delays tonight, including during Norway v Senegal in New Jersey.Strict US lightning safety regulations mandate the suspension of play if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of a stadium. Under these protocols, play can only resume after a 30-minute clear period, with any new lightning strike resetting the countdown, potentially leading to lengthy delays as there is no fixed time limit for match abandonment. In fullFrance vs Iraq LIVE: Kylian Mbappe reaches major milestone in World Cup clashThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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