FIFA prepares weather disruption measures as forecasted storms threaten France vs Iraq clash

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JUNE 10: A warning for lightning strikes appears on the big screen as heavy rain falls prior to the International Friendly match between England and Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium on June 10, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
England's World Cup warm-up clash was impacted by storms earlier this month (Image credit: Getty Images)

France vs Iraq could be at risk of delays this evening as forecast storms threaten to keep fans out of their seats.

The two are due to play their second World Cup group stage match against one another this evening, with France heavy favourites.

However, inclement weather looks set to disrupt the game at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field.

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Severe storms are expected over Philadelphia this evening

Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA - one of the host stadiums of the 2026 World Cup

Supporters could be kept from their seats during tonight's France vs Iraq game (Image credit: Getty Images)

Big storms are expected for tonight's match between, meaning FIFA officials are preparing protocols put in place for such an eventuality.

Included in those measures are fans being kept either in concourses or emergency shelter facilities.

Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the World Cup 2026 Group I match between France and Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 16, 2026 in East Rutherford

Kylian Mbappe will be looking to add to his goal tally following an opening-game brace (Image credit: Getty Images)

The FIFA regulations state that the game will have to be halted if lightning strikes within eight miles of the stadium, with fans removed from their seats.

The game then cannot resume until there have been 30 lightning-free minutes.

Should the game continue to be interrupted, it's possible that it is pushed back until tomorrow.

Lauren Lambrugo, chief operating officer of Philadelphia Soccer 2026 told The Mirror: "They'll start to evacuate the stadium to the main concourse and seek emergency shelter.

"And then it has to wait 30 minutes prior to them bringing everybody back on the field.

"They will make sure that the match is broadcast and played tomorrow."

Mohanad Ali #10 of Iraq poses for a portrait during the official FIFA World Cup 2026 portrait session on June 12, 2026 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

Mohanad Ali will be hoping to lead his side to an upset (Image credit: Getty Images)

Storms had been expected to cause problems for games at this summer's tournament, but as of yet no matches have been affected.

Only a warm-up game between England and Costa Rica has suffered delays.

Last summer's Club World Cup, which was also held in the USA, was a different story with several games delayed or temporarily suspended due to inclement weather.

Ryan Gray
Freelance Writer

Ryan Gray is a freelance writer, covering mainly travel and occasionally sport. He previously spent two years as Sports Editor at the Watford Observer before turning his hand to travel writing, with his work appearing in various national UK publications. He has gone from providing matchday commentary for Blyth Spartans to covering FA Cup and Euros finals, as well as interviewing the likes of Claudio Ranieri, Alan Shearer and Glenn Hoddle, among other big names. 

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