France vs Iraq World Cup match suspended due to thunderstorms
The World Cup match between France and Iraq was suspended at half-time on Monday as heavy rain and a thunderstorm hit the stadium, forcing thousands of fans to seek shelter.
Monday's World Cup match between France and Iraq was suspended at half-time due to heavy rain and an approaching thunderstorm, sending thousands of fans seeking shelter. It was the first weather-related delay of the tournament.
France led 1-0 at the break. Scoreboard messages directed fans to take shelter in covered areas of the stadium, warning of a severe storm. Rain continued through the half-time interval as fans huddled in concourses and under balconies.
The stoppage was initially expected to extend the usual 15-minute half-time break by another 15 minutes. However, as the delay continued, stadium officials announced that the game would resume when deemed safe. FIFA rules require games to pause and seating areas to be evacuated for 30 minutes if lightning is detected within 8 miles (13 km), with each lightning strike resetting the clock.
France and Iraq had been playing through rain that started in the 37th minute. Most fans wore ponchos and stayed in their seats until told to find shelter at half-time. A small number of fans ignored the warning and remained in their seats, but were subsequently asked again via the public address system to seek shelter.
The second half eventually kicked off at 8:00 pm local time, more than two hours behind schedule, after the pitch was cleared of standing water. Heavy rain also fell ahead of Monday night's scheduled game between Norway and Senegal in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
