Paraguay-France kick-off faces late delay due to weather conditions, FIFA warns
Goal.com • • sports
Key Points:
- FIFA has issued a high-risk weather warning ahead of France's World Cup match against Paraguay on Saturday in Philadelphia, citing potential delays due to thunderstorms and extreme heat.
- Temperatures are expected to reach up to 38°C, with a "feels like" temperature of 41°C, and thunderstorms likely after 5pm, coinciding with match start time, raising concerns over possible interruptions.
- U.S. safety protocols mandate suspension of play if lightning occurs within 13km of the stadium, requiring players and spectators to seek shelter until 30 minutes after the last lightning strike.
- France coach Didier Deschamps expressed confidence in his team's preparation for the heat, emphasizing that all teams have faced similar conditions and that heat does not affect tactical decisions.
- Reflecting on a previous weather-related delay during their group match against Iraq, Kylian Mbappe highlighted the mental challenge of staying focused during extended stoppages but noted the team managed to maintain concentration and secure victory.
