India, June 23 -- The FIFA World Cup match between France and Iraq has been delayed and is yet to resume after halftime due to severe thunderstorms and adverse weather conditions in Philadelphia, where the game is being played.

As per reports, the Severe Weather Protocol has been activated, requiring a minimum 30-minute gap with no lightning activity before play can resume.

Once conditions are deemed safe, players will be allowed back onto the pitch for a 15-minute warm-up period ahead of restart.

Spectators have been directed to vacate their seats and proceed to designated safe shelter zones, while officials closely track rapidly changing weather conditions at the venue.

Even before kickoff, forecasts had already warned that weather ...