Philadelphia storm halts France v Iraq for two hours as soaked fans seek shelter | OneFootball

A violent storm in Philadelphia forced a lengthy half-time suspension of France v Iraq, soaking supporters and triggering evacuations. According to L'Équipe, the weather, not tactics, dominated the day.

Showers expected for kick-off arrived roughly three hours early, catching thousands already around the ground. Stadium screens warned of a severe thunderstorm and told fans to leave the stands and seek indoor shelter, yet many were still outside, with some stuck at gate W for more than half an hour in driving rain.

Walkways flooded and FIFA volunteers handed out plastic ponchos near stairways, though the heat made them a tough sell. One father from Antibes said the first burst passed while they were on the metro, but the second soaked them, so they used rain jackets and sheltered by their aisle as others roamed for cover.

In the 37th minute the rain returned in sheets and the wind whipped through the bowl. An Iraqi influencer joked it at least cooled things down, and an American sparked the "E.A.G.L.E.S, Eagles!" chant that many joined.

At half-time the PA repeatedly ordered evacuations, most obeyed, but about 20 France fans high in the north end stayed put for a conga. The interruption lasted two hours and there were brief bouts of panic in the concourses.

Only the toilets, packed like a rush-hour train, kept people properly dry. Lightning and thunder drew oohs and aahs before a first shaft of sun to the south was cheered like a 90th-minute winner. One drenched fan, Safa, felt nowhere was safe, yet said she would back Les Bleus then dry off at the hotel.

Source: L'Équipe