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The World Cup match between France and Iraq was suspended for more than two hours on Monday due to a severe thunderstorm and lightning strikes near Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The halt occurred at halftime, with France leading 1-0 thanks to a goal from Kylian Mbappé.
Play was stopped at the end of the first half when lightning was detected within an 8-mile (13 km) radius of the stadium. Fans were instructed to leave open seating areas and seek shelter in covered concourses. The match resumed at 20:00 local time after specialists certified safe conditions. Source: elcolombiano Source: infobae
Under U.S. regulations, any outdoor event must pause for at least 30 minutes if lightning is detected within 13 km, with the count resetting if another strike occurs. The protocol is mandated by the National Weather Service and supersedes FIFA's own rules, which only address roof closures. Source: clarin Source: excelsiormx Some sources described this as the first weather suspension in World Cup history, though others note similar delays occurred during the 2025 Club World Cup. Source: elnacionalve
Fans expressed mixed reactions—some understood the precaution, others were baffled. The delay was notable given that most World Cup stadiums lack roofs, leaving spectators exposed. Source: cna
“Los protocolos de seguridad imponen la suspensión de eventos deportivos al aire libre durante 30 minutos cuando se detectan rayos en un radio aproximado de 8 millas (13 km) alrededor del estadio.”
“Fans at the stadium tried to make the best of the situation, although they were surprised by the strictness of the protocol.”
“Por protocolos de seguridad, una vez activado el aviso el partido debe pausarse al menos por 30 minutos.”
“Un hecho sin precedentes en la vasta historia de los Mundiales paralizó las actividades de la Copa del Mundo 2026.”
“Aunque FIFA no tiene un procedimiento formal para estos casos debió acatar 100% la normativa que rige en Estados Unidos.”
“El tiempo de espera, en este caso, comenzaría a contar desde que los jugadores entraron a los camerinos.”