World Cup match between France and Iraq suspended due to severe weather

The World Cup match between France and Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field was suspended for over two hours due to severe weather conditions. At 00:50, play was halted after the first half because lightning was detected within a 13-kilometer radius of the stadium. FIFA activated its severe weather protocol, which requires a 30-minute safety timer reset for every lightning strike within the designated zone. Approximately 70,000 spectators remained in the stadium's sheltered areas while officials repeatedly adjusted the estimated restart time. After several delays involving proposed restart times of 02:00, 02:21, and 02:50, the match finally resumed at 03:00. FIFA officials followed local U.S. safety protocols, as there is no specific FIFA rule regarding a maximum wait time or automatic postponement for such events. The incident is noted for its length and the application of strict local lightning safety regulations.