Fans told not to travel to France-Iraq tie due to bad weather

Fans heading to the World Cup match between France and Iraq in Philadelphia have been strongly advised against traveling to the stadium due to severe weather conditions. Heavy downpours, thunder, and lightning are expected in the region, raising concerns about the scheduled 5:00 PM local time kick-off.

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Due to inclement weather in the region, gates opening will be delayed.

The Lincoln Financial Field announced on X, formerly Twitter, that gate openings would be delayed. "If you are not in the area, please do not travel to Philadelphia Stadium at this time," the statement read. "A new gates opening time will be communicated once the weather has passed. If you are near Philadelphia Stadium, please take shelter."

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If you are not in the area, please do not travel to Philadelphia Stadium at this time.

While the stadium has protocols in place for lightning detection, including a 30-minute pause and fan evacuation to safe areas if lightning is within eight miles, there was no immediate announcement regarding a delay to the match start. Heavy rain was already falling three hours before the scheduled kick-off.

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If you are near Philadelphia Stadium, please take shelter.