Thunderstorms threaten France-Norway World Cup clash as Norwegian fans bring Viking spirit to Boston
After a two-hour lightning delay against Iraq, France faces Norway in a Group I decider under renewed storm warnings, while Norwegian supporters celebrate their first World Cup in 28 years.
Weather threat looms over Foxborough
France's final Group I match against Norway at Gillette Stadium on Friday 26 June (21:00 CEST, 15:00 local) is under threat from thunderstorms, just four days after their game against Iraq was halted for over two hours by lightning. The National Weather Service warns of a "possibility of thunderstorms after 2 p.m.," right before kickoff, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued an advisory early Thursday of "increased confidence regarding the overall risk of severe weather phenomena on Friday." AccuWeather puts the storm probability at 26%, while local forecasts give a 65% chance of rain.
- France vs Iraq interrupted for over two hours by thunderstorms in Philadelphia.
- NOAA warns of increased confidence in severe weather risk for Friday.
- National Weather Service forecasts possible thunderstorms after 2 p.m. local time.
- Kickoff: France vs Norway at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough.
Lightning protocol could again stretch the evening
Under US law, any outdoor sporting event must be suspended for at least 30 minutes after each lightning strike within a 13-kilometre radius. The same rule forced Monday's France-Iraq match to drag on for 3 hours and 47 minutes from kickoff to final whistle. Meteorologist Guillaume Séchet told L'Équipe that the risk is lower than in Philadelphia:
Still, the French squad could become the only team to suffer two lightning-interrupted matches this World Cup.The storm zone that hit Philadelphia was extremely vast and intense. Here, it's more limited. These are just small depressions passing not far from Boston, but they shouldn't be taken lightly, it's a characteristic of the climate in this region.
Norwegian fans seize their moment
Norway is appearing at its first World Cup since 1998 and first major tournament since Euro 2000. The occasion has unleashed a wave of enthusiasm among travelling supporters, who were filmed doing a Viking clap and a conga line at a New York Mets baseball game on Wednesday. Daniel Roed-Johansen, a journalist for Aftenposten, described the mood:
He also criticised FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the decision to award a peace prize to Donald Trump, calling it "ridiculous."A whole generation of Norwegians has never experienced anything like it, the World Cup is on everyone's lips.
Group I decider with knock-on effects
The winner of France-Norway will top Group I. A draw keeps France in first place. The stakes go beyond bragging rights: first place means a round-of-32 match on Tuesday 30 June at 23:00 CEST, followed by a round-of-16 tie on Saturday 4 July at the same late hour. A quarter-final would be on Thursday 9 July at 22:00, and a semi-final on Bastille Day, 14 July, at 21:00. Some French fans, eyeing work the next morning, are quietly wondering whether a second-place finish, and earlier kickoff times, might be more convenient.
Didier Deschamps hopes for a drier night
France coach Didier Deschamps smiled after the Iraq ordeal, saying he hoped it was the last time. With the knockout phase approaching, his side will want to avoid another stop-start evening and secure top spot without weather drama.
