FIFA Delays France-Iraq Match Nearly 2 Hours as Storms Soak Philadelphia
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 23
FIFA Delays France-Iraq Match Nearly 2 Hours as Storms Soak Philadelphia
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 23
Summary
Nearly two hours of heavy rain, strong winds and lightning risk halted France's World Cup match against Iraq in Philadelphia at halftime, with France leading 1-0 before play resumed at 8 p.m. ET.
Lincoln Financial Field signage told fans to seek shelter while grounds crews cleared standing water from the pitch; conditions improved by the start of the second half.
The same storm system also threatened Norway's match against Senegal in East Rutherford, New Jersey, though that game still kicked off on time at 8 p.m. ET.
The disruption followed earlier National Weather Service warnings in southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey and extended what had already become the tournament's first weather delay.