France vs. Paraguay weather updates: Thunderstorms in forecast could cause delays at Round of 32 match

France vs. Paraguay weather updates: Thunderstorms in forecast could cause delays at Round of 32 match originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Potentially for the second time during the 2026 World Cup, France could play in a match that was affected by inclement weather. In June, their group stage match against Iraq was suspended for around two hours; now, their Round of 32 match against Paraguay has question marks surrounding the weather.

It is yet to be determined how a possible delay will alter the match’s timing, but the Sporting News has the updates regarding France vs. Paraguay.

Here’s the latest on the threatening forecast in Philadelphia that could impact France vs. Paraguay in the Round of 32.

2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup tickets

France vs. Paraguay weather updates:

(All times Eastern)

1:23 p.m. – At the moment, France and Paraguay’s original 5 p.m. ET kickoff time is set to start on time. However, there have been preliminary reports of a potential delay due to inclement weather in the Philadelphia area.

As of now, 5pm kick off time ET (local) is unchanged for France v Paraguay, per multiple sources with direct knowledge, but a note has been shared with some broadcasters warning of possible storms ⚡️which could trigger safety protocols to be triggered. https://t.co/Civp4iIbC1

— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) July 4, 2026

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

France vs. Paraguay forecast

According to AccuWeather, the forecast for the match’s kickoff looks to clock in at a partly cloudy 94 degrees Fahrenheit. There is reportedly a 43% chance of rain at the 5 p.m. kickoff, with that percentage rising as the night moves along.

Prior to 2 p.m., there was an extreme heat warning in the area, with a RealFeel of 113 degrees Fahrenheit.

FIFA lightning delay rules

The Sporting News contacted FIFA regarding specific rules and regulations about lightning and treacherous weather conditions affecting a match. FIFA confirmed the following:

“In the event of severe weather conditions such as lightning or thunderstorms, FIFA will implement a thorough procedure based on public safety standards, providing clear and specific safety guidelines to all stakeholders involved. FIFA has dedicated meteorological support throughout the tournament to provide accurate forecasting and strengthen real-time operational decision-making.”

If a weather delay is triggered at a roofless venue, both the pitch and seats must be evacuated by fans, players, and staff.

Players and team officials are required to return to the dressing rooms as quickly as possible, and fans must leave their seats and take shelter inside the stadium concourse. They must remain sheltered until the danger passes and the all-clear is sounded.