France, Iraq, FIFA
Monday
France’s World Cup match against Iraq became the tournament’s first weather-affected game after thunderstorms delayed the second half in Philadelphia. Stadium gates had also opened late, with supporters earlier told not to travel because of severe weather.
Under local thunderstorm protocol, play must stop when lightning is detected within eight miles of the stadium. A 30-minute countdown is required before resumption, and the clock resets if another strike is detected inside the safety radius.