Hours before kick-off between Paraguay and France in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, FIFA announced that the match was "at high risk of weather-related delays at this stage."
On June 22, the French team's match was reportedly interrupted for over two hours due to a severe thunderstorm in Philadelphia. This Saturday, the French team returns to Lincoln Financial Field to face Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, and the match is likely to be delayed again.
The weather forecast has long been unfavorable, and FIFA's latest announcement further confirms this trend: "We are closely monitoring the weather conditions in Philadelphia. This match currently carries a high risk of weather-related delays. Over the next few hours, we will continue to assess the situation and provide updates."
It is understood that weather departments associated with FIFA have already received warnings that severe weather disturbances may occur within minutes of kick-off. If the match starts at 5 p.m. local time, contingency plans will be activated.
The national weather service predicts temperatures between 36℃ and 38℃, with a maximum perceived temperature of up to 41℃, along with a "risk of showers and thunderstorms," especially after 5 p.m., which is the match's kick-off time in the United States. However, as of press time, the match is still scheduled to proceed at its original time.
The United States has a very strict safety protocol in place for severe weather or strong thunderstorms. If lightning is detected within 13 kilometers of the stadium, the match will be interrupted or postponed, both teams' players must return to the locker rooms, and spectators need to seek appropriate shelter.
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