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.
More on these topics
Mbappé marks 100th France appearance with goal
Kylian Mbappé scored on his 100th appearance for France during a FIFA World Cup match, marking the milestone with a goal.
Germany's Schlotterbeck out of World Cup with ankle injury
Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck will miss the rest of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after injuring his ankle in Saturday's 2-1 win over Côte d'Ivoire. He will remain with the squad. Coach Julian Nagelsmann called him a 'sorely missed' player but expressed confidence in the team's defensive depth.
Messi becomes World Cup's all-time leading scorer
Lionel Messi scored twice against Austria to become the FIFA World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 18 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose's record of 16. The Argentina captain also leads the 2026 tournament scoring charts with five goals.
Serbian TV pundit apologizes for racist comments about black players
Former striker Rade Bogdanovic apologized for racist remarks about black players during a World Cup broadcast on Serbian TV. He questioned their concentration and stamina while discussing a red card incident. Broadcaster RTS also apologized.
