Bad weather delays fan entry at France-Iraq World Cup match
Short overview
Heavy rain and lightning delayed gate openings at Philadelphia Stadium for the France-Iraq World Cup match. Officials warned fans not to travel to the area, but gates opened after the storm passed. The match kicked off as scheduled.
Bad weather delayed fans from entering Philadelphia Stadium for Monday's World Cup match between France and Iraq, after officials warned against travel to the area four hours before kick-off. Heavy downpours and bouts of thunder and lightning were forecast for the Group I tie, the 42nd match of the tournament.
Gate delays and safety warnings
"Due to inclement weather in the region, gates opening will be delayed," a statement from Lincoln Financial Field, the stadium hosting the match, said on X. "If you are not in the area, please do not travel to Philadelphia Stadium at this time. A new gates opening time will be communicated once the weather has passed. If you are near Philadelphia Stadium, please take shelter."
Heavy rain fell in the area hours before kick-off, but an update two and a half hours before the match confirmed that gates had opened after the shower passed. The game kicked off as scheduled at 17:00 local time (22:00 BST).
Lightning protocols
Tournament rules stipulate that if lightning is detected within eight miles of a World Cup stadium, matches are paused for 30 minutes and fans are escorted to safe areas. No game has been impacted by storms during the tournament so far.
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