France vs Iraq World Cup match postponed due to severe weather alert

The match between France and Iraq was suspended at half‑time on Monday after a severe weather alert prompted fans to seek shelter from an approaching thunderstorm.

A FIFA official announced that the Philadelphia game, which began at 2100 GMT, would be delayed for at least half an hour, encompassing the scheduled 15‑minute half‑time interval.

France entered the break with a 1‑0 lead, the score coming from a Kylian Mbappé goal in the 14th minute.

The match started in dry weather, but rain began to fall late in the first half. As soon as the half‑time whistle sounded, supporters were instructed to “exit the open seating area and seek shelter in covered areas of the stadium.”

The majority of the 68,324‑seat Lincoln Financial Field, renamed Philadelphia Stadium for the tournament, is uncovered, forcing most of the crowd to gather in the concourses.

This is the first match of the World Cup to be delayed because of severe weather, as the United States has strict protocols when a storm is detected nearby.

Several matches at last year’s Club World Cup in the United States were delayed due to inclement weather.

AFP