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France vs. Iraq weather updates: Match delayed at halftime due to severe weather in Philadelphia

France vs. Iraq weather updates: Match delayed at halftime due to severe weather in Philadelphia originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After a lone Kylian Mbappe goal in the France vs. Iraq game, play was halted at halftime due to inclement weather conditions.

Scoreboards began displaying messaging for "a severe thunderstorm" approaching and asked fans to seek shelter. Safety is of utmost importance during situations like these, so fans were asked to seek shelter inside the stadium.

Here is the latest news from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

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France vs. Iraq weather updates:

6:14 p.m. - FOX Sports' John Strong released the following update regarding a start time. If the weather passes, play will resume around 7 p.m. ET.

6:03 p.m. - Messaging on Lincoln Financial Field's scoreboards read out that fans should seek shelter and that play would be halted coming out of halftime due to "a severe thunderstorm" nearby.

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When will France vs. Iraq resume?

According to the FOX broadcast, play is slated to resume at 7 p.m. ET if the inclement weather passes. Players will exit their respective locker rooms at 6:30 p.m. ET and will begin their warmups on the pitch around 6:40 p.m. ET.

If the weather continues in severity, these times will be pushed back further. Updates will follow in the above section regarding the France vs. Iraq match.

FIFA lightning delay rules

The Sporting News contacted FIFA regarding specific rules and regulations about lightning and treacherous weather conditions affecting a match. FIFA confirmed the following:

"In the event of severe weather conditions such as lightning or thunderstorms, FIFA will implement a thorough procedure based on public safety standards, providing clear and specific safety guidelines to all stakeholders involved. FIFA has dedicated meteorological support throughout the tournament to provide accurate forecasting and strengthen real-time operational decision-making."

If a weather delay is triggered at a roofless venue, both the pitch and seats must be evacuated by fans, players, and staff.

Players and team officials are required to return to the dressing rooms as quickly as possible, and fans must leave their seats and take shelter inside the stadium concourse. They must remain sheltered until the danger passes and the all-clear is sounded.

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