France-Iraq World Cup match suspended due to severe storm alert

The World Cup match between France and Iraq in Philadelphia faced a temporary halt on Monday due to a severe storm alert. Play was suspended just after halftime, with France holding a 1-0 lead. Fans at the Lincoln Financial Field, which has a capacity of over 65,000, were instructed to leave the stands and find shelter inside the stadium as heavy rain began to fall.

Despite the announcement, many spectators remained in their seats, some seeking cover under the stadium's roof while others braved the elements with raincoats. The suspension followed protocol, which in the United States allows for outdoor events to be delayed for at least 30 minutes if lightning is detected within a 13-kilometer radius.

A FIFA source indicated that the waiting period would commence from the moment the players entered the locker rooms. This interruption marks the first delayed match of the tournament due to weather conditions.