23.06.2026 02:00
A lightning alarm was issued in Philadelphia at the end of the first half of the France vs. Iraq match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The start of the second half was delayed by half an hour as the stands were urgently evacuated.
While excitement continues in the 2026 FIFA World Cup jointly organized by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, unusual moments occurred in the France - Iraq match in Group I.
STANDS EVACUATED DUE TO LIGHTNING THREAT
Immediately after the first half of the match hosted by Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Stadium) in Philadelphia, USA, visibility became almost zero.
Following a severe thunderstorm with heavy rain and consecutive lightning strikes over the stadium, tournament officials issued an emergency warning. As the risk of lightning strikes reached the highest level, thousands of fans filling the stands were asked to temporarily evacuate the stadium completely and take shelter in enclosed areas for safety reasons.
SECOND HALF START DELAYED BY HALF AN HOUR
With the active risk of lightning strikes continuing in the very close vicinity of the stadium, referees and FIFA representatives made a radical decision to protect players' health. It was announced that the second half of the France-Iraq match, which was scheduled to start normally, was postponed to 02:00 Turkish Time, expecting the storm to change direction.
STRICT LIGHTNING PROTOCOL ACTIVATED
FIFA, in its meteorological guide published before the 2026 World Cup, had officially announced that matches could be suspended in case of intense lightning activity, particularly noting local weather conditions in the USA.
According to strict safety protocols applied in US sports organizations; if even a single lightning strike occurs within the specified mile radius of the stadium, all outdoor activities are immediately halted, and matches do not begin until the danger clouds completely leave the area.