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Thunderstorms are forecast for Monday afternoon local time in Philadelphia, where the French national team is set to play their second World Cup Group I match against Iraq (kick-off 00:00 Bulgarian time, Monday night into Tuesday). While not yet enforced, the regulations for lightning strikes are exceptionally strict.
Weather forecasts predict rain and thunderstorms for late Monday afternoon in Philadelphia, potentially impacting the match. The game at Lincoln Financial Field is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 PM local time. Given the risks of sometimes severe thunderstorms, a very stringent protocol has been implemented, largely inspired by the one used during last year's Club World Cup.
Mandatory 30-Minute Suspension
FIFA's room for maneuver on this matter is limited, as federal US regulations apply. As a general rule, a mandatory 30-minute suspension is enforced immediately if lightning strikes within approximately 13 kilometers. Each subsequent lightning strike triggers another half-hour pause.
During last year's Club World Cup, which served as a dress rehearsal for the current World Cup, six matches were delayed due to extreme weather conditions. So far in the current World Cup, no matches have been interrupted due to adverse weather.
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