Football World Cup: Thunderstorm at the stadium: France game threatens to be postponed

The encounter is scheduled for 11 p.m. German time (ARD and MagentaTV). Meteorologists have predicted further strong storms and lightning for exactly this period. There is also a risk of flash floods and tornadoes.

Due to the adverse weather conditions, entry was delayed. Fans were asked not to drive to the stadium for the time being. “If you find yourself near Philadelphia Stadium, please seek shelter,” the stadium’s X page said.

When is a game interrupted?

When severe weather and thunderstorms occur in the USA, organizers follow the recommendations of the US National Meteorological and Oceanographic Administration (NOAA). This recommends stopping outdoor activities for at least 30 minutes if lightning is registered within a radius of around 13 kilometers. Each additional lightning strike restarts this 30-minute time limit.

In such cases, players typically leave the field and spectators are directed to safe areas. FIFA assesses the respective situation individually and decides whether to continue the game depending on the current security conditions.

If a game is interrupted or canceled due to force majeure, according to World Cup regulations it must be continued later in the corresponding minute and with the same score.

Several interruptions at the Club World Cup

At last year’s Club World Cup in the USA, six games had to be interrupted due to severe weather, with the interruptions lasting between 40 minutes and two hours. The then Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca spoke of “a joke” and even questioned whether major summer tournaments should even be held in the USA.