Why France vs Iraq World Cup game has been suspended as fans urged to ‘seek shelter’

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 inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleA World Cup 2026 group-stage match between France and Iraq in Philadelphia was delayed due to lightning, leading to players and fans being moved indoors. FIFA is enforcing strict US protocols, which require games to be halted if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium. These rules initiate a 15-minute countdown that resets with each new strike, followed by a 15-minute warm-up period before play can restart. The tournament, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, is occurring during peak storm season in some regions, making further weather disruptions probable. Previous Club World Cup matches faced similar significant delays, and potential complications could arise for synchronised final group-stage games. In fullFrance v Iraq delayed due to lightning as Fifa action World Cup 2026 weather protocolThank 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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