Fans have been told not to travel to the Philadelphia Stadium for Monday’s World Cup game between France and Iraq due to “inclement weather in the region”.
Heavy downpours and bouts of thunder and lightning are forecast for the Group I tie, which the 42nd match of this World Cup.
Kick-off is scheduled for 17:00 local time (22:00 BST) and it will be the first match at this World Cup to be delayed if it does not start on time.
Fans have been told gates will not open at the ground on time because of the weather.
“Due to inclement weather in the region, gates opening will be delayed,” a statement by the Lincoln Financial Field, the name of the ground the match is taking place, said on X., external
“If you are not in the area, please do not travel to Philadelphia Stadium at this time.
“A new gates opening time will be communicated once the weather has passed. If you are near Philadelphia Stadium, please take shelter.”
There are rules in place that if lightning is detected within eight miles of the stadium, the game will pause for 30 minutes and fans escorted to safe areas.
It was raining heavily three hours before the start, but there has been no announcement at this moment in time that kick-off will be delayed.
