FIFA has acknowledged that the final round of World Cup group stage matches could be vulnerable to manipulation, as weather-related delays may prevent simultaneous kick-offs. The only match severely disrupted by storms so far was France's clash with Iraq, which concluded nearly four hours after its scheduled start. Since that was each side's second group game, the delay was relatively inconsequential, but a similar disruption to a crucial fixture in the coming days could have serious implications.
Simultaneous Kick-Offs Since 1982
Since the 1982 World Cup, final group stage matches have been scheduled to kick off simultaneously to prevent collusion. That tournament saw the notorious "disgrace of Dijon," where West Germany and Austria were accused of engineering a 1-0 victory for the Germans, ensuring both teams progressed. However, The Times reports that no specific provision exists to address adverse summer weather conditions that could disrupt this arrangement.
FIFA Regulations and Force Majeure
Article 12.4 of FIFA's official regulations states: "The last two matches in each group shall have simultaneous kick-off times on the same day, unless stipulated otherwise by Fifa (e.g. in cases of force majeure)." With no directive requiring matches to conclude at the same time, FIFA will rely on the integrity of the teams affected by any weather-enforced stoppages.
In the sole incident so far, France led Iraq 1-0 at half-time when torrential rain battered the stadium. A forecast of thunderstorms over Philadelphia initially prevented players from re-emerging for the second half. The severe weather eventually cleared after a delay of almost two hours, and France won 3-0, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice.
England Also Affected
England experienced the unpredictable US weather before the tournament, with their final warm-up friendly against New Zealand kicking off one hour late. Their second group fixture against Ghana was played in wet conditions, resulting in a frustrating 0-0 draw. Croatia's 1-0 victory over Panama later that day eliminated Panama, whom England face this Saturday.
Scotland are among the first teams in action as they face Brazil, while Morocco play already-eliminated Haiti.
