Delays for the 2026 World Cup: Rain and storms stopped fans before the France-Iraq match

Fans who planned to attend Monday's 2026 World Cup match between France and Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium faced delays in entering the venue due to poor weather conditions. Organizers issued a warning four hours before the start of the match not to travel to the stadium due to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast. "Due to poor weather conditions in the region, gate opening will be delayed," said a statement issued by Lincoln Financial Field, where the game is being played. "If you are not in the area, please do not travel to Philadelphia Stadium at this time. A new gate opening time will be announced once the inclement weather subsides. If you are near the stadium, please shelter."  Despite heavy rainfall that hit the area several hours before the start of the match, new information, provided two and a half hours before the scheduled start, confirmed that the gates were now open and fans could enter the stadium. The match is scheduled to start at 5pm local time (10pm BST). The World Cup has rules that require a 30-minute pause in matches if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of tournament-hosting stadiums. So far, no match during the tournament has been interrupted due to a storm. --- ## Related Articles 1. [Leo Messi Sets Record as World Cup's Top Men's Scorer](https://pitchpulsemedia.com/en/news/leo-messi-sets-record-as-world-cups-top-mens-scorer) 2. [Mbappé Reaches 100 Caps for France, Closes in on Deschamps](https://pitchpulsemedia.com/en/news/mbappe-reaches-100-caps-for-france-closes-in-on-deschamps)