Fans take cover from the rain during a thunderstorm warning in the World Cup Group I match between France and Iraq. | Photo Credit: AP

The FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match between France and Iraq was suspended at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia due to adverse weather conditions on Tuesday.

“Due to adverse weather conditions in Philadelphia, including the risk of lightning in the vicinity of the stadium, the FIFA World Cup match between France and Iraq has been suspended,” FIFA said in a statement.

“A 30-minute break has been announced. FIFA will follow the safety protocols established by the local authorities, and the match will resume as soon as it is safe to do so. The safety and security of all individuals is FIFA’s priority. We thank all fans for their understanding and cooperation.”

At the time of writing, there has been significant showers at the venue, which raises the questions that should the storm continue, can the match be suspended for the day?

Yes, if the weather does not get better, the match can be suspended for the day.

Does FIFA World Cup 2026 have a reserve day?

No, there is no reserve day per say for FIFA World Cup. However, if storms suspend a match on a particular day, it is typically rescheduled to resume the following day, from the exact minute and scoreline.

This specific protocol is detailed under Article 6 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 regulations, specifically covering “Matches abandoned for reasons of force majeure”.

Section 6.9 of the document states: “FIFA has the right to cancel, reschedule or relocate one or more matches (or the entire FIFA World Cup 26) for any reason at its sole discretion, including as a result of force majeure or due to health, safety or security concerns.”

FIFA further rules that in the case of a match being abandoned as a result of force majeure after it has already kicked off, the following principles shall apply:

• The match shall recommence at the minute at which play was interrupted rather than being replayed in full, and with the same scoreline. The match shall recommence where play was stopped when the match was interrupted (e.g. with a free kick, throw‑in, goal kick, corner kick, penalty kick, etc.). If the match was abandoned while the ball was still in play, it shall restart with a dropped ball from the position of the ball when play was stopped.
• The match shall recommence with the same players on the pitch and substitutes available as when the match was abandoned.
• No additional substitutes may be added to the list of players on the start list.
• The teams can make only the number of substitutions to which they were still entitled when the match was abandoned.
• Players sent off during the abandoned match cannot be replaced.
• Any disciplinary measures imposed before the match was abandoned will be dealt with in accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
• The kick‑off time, date, location and any other matter shall be decided by FIFA

Published on Jun 23, 2026