Iraq-France World Cup match in Philadelphia faces severe weather threat

BAGHDAD, Iraq — PHILADELPHIA — The 2026 FIFA World Cup second-round match between Iraq and France, scheduled to kick off at midnight Baghdad time in Philadelphia, faces the risk of delay or suspension due to severe weather forecast in the area. Weather reports indicate thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy rainfall are expected over Philadelphia during match hours. FIFA's protocol mandates a 30-minute suspension of play if lightning is detected within a 13-kilometer radius of the stadium, with the clock resetting for each new strike and play resuming 30 minutes after the last detected lightning. French media outlets RMC and Foot Mercato reported that the protocol could be activated because of the storm forecast, with RMC adding that the kickoff time could shift to 02:00 Baghdad time. The Philadelphia organizing committee said the match will not be postponed to another day and that the final decision rests with FIFA, while announcing precautionary measures including stadium evacuation procedures and the use of rain ponchos instead of umbrellas. France, already through to the next stage, is seeking its second win, while Iraq is aiming for a positive result in what local media described as a historic meeting. No further updates were immediately available on whether a delay would be announced.