What is World Cup lightning protocol? France v Iraq suspended after storms in Philadelphia (opens original article in a new tab)

The World Cup faces potential delays due to lightning strikes, with matches halted if lightning is detected within eight miles of a stadium, leading to 30-minute countdowns and possible rescheduling of abandoned games.

• The World Cup is scheduled during peak storm season in the US, Canada, and Mexico, risking weather disruptions.
• Lightning strikes within eight miles of a stadium require match halts, with 30-minute countdowns that can reset on subsequent strikes.
• World Cup rules state abandoned matches must be replayed from the interruption point.