A World Cup match is at ‘severe risk’ of a temporary suspension on Monday evening, with a little-known US rule coming into focus ahead of a crucial group-stage fixture.

Disruptions have regularly threatened to overshadow this summer’s tournament, though none have significantly affected proceedings so far. Entry issues, visa complications, and geopolitical tensions have all created uncertainty across the USA, Canada and Mexico, but FIFA have largely managed to navigate those challenges up to this point.

However, a relatively unknown protocol – one that was used during the Club World Cup won by Chelsea in the United States last summer – could come into effect again. If triggered, it could lead to significant delays during one of Monday’s most eye-catching matchups.

World Cup Match at ‘Severe Risk’ of Temporary Suspension

According to RMC Sport, via Tribuna, the second-round group stage match between France and Iraq, scheduled to take place at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, could be temporarily suspended due to adverse weather conditions.

Thunderstorms are forecast during the game. The tournament enforces a specific safety protocol that requires a mandatory pause in the event of a lightning strike near the stadium. If lightning is recorded within a radius of approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the venue, the match will be stopped for a minimum of 30 minutes. In the case of a repeated strike, the countdown will reset.

Rules for suspending matches due to weather conditions are based on current regulations applied during sporting events in the United States, as reported by The Guardian.

Chelsea’s Round of 16 tie against Benfica in last year’s Club World Cup was suspended in the 86th minute when lightning was detected in the area, and the match didn’t continue until four hours and 38 minutes after it had begun.

France Expected To Score For Fun – But Lasting Fatigue Could be Issue

Credit: REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

An attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise – all of whom are in the running for the Ballon d’Or – is expected to feast on the Iraq defence on Monday night, and any issues surrounding the match are unlikely to stem from the action on the pitch.

As one of the tournament favourites, Les Bleus may not get an easier fixture. However, the performances of Cape Verde, Curacao and other smaller nations at this World Cup have shown that nothing can be taken for granted, despite their convincing 3-1 opening win vs Senegal last week.

Indeed, the biggest concern may be the possibility of the match lasting longer than one that goes to extra time and penalties due to a pending thunderstorm. Such a delay could have an impact in the latter stages of the tournament, although Didier Deschamps may be in a position to rest some of his key players by halftime, depending on the scoreline.

Dana White has responded to Josh Hokit’s comments regarding Michelle Obama, describing them as ‘stupid’ after the fighter’s words in the aftermath of UFC Freedom 250.

Hokit sparked massive mainstream backlash following comments he made in his post-fight interview on the White House South Lawn. He remarked that “Michelle Obama is a man” and followed that up with “Am I right, America?” This came after he secured victory over Derrick Lewis and extended his record to 10-0; that is what should have been the talk of his night.

Being interviewed by Joe Rogan inside the cage, Hokit began by praising Donald Trump and calling out Alex Pereira for a potential bout down the road. It was at this point that he abruptly made the switch and started referencing the former First Lady. Rogan looked taken aback by what he had said and quickly ended the interview before the heavyweight could say anything else.

Dana White, UFC CEO, has since called the remarks ‘disgusting’, ‘stupid’, and ‘nonsense.’

Commentator and former two-division champion, Daniel Cormier, has also lambasted the outburst. He called it ‘lame’ and that he ‘absolutely hated that’, also adding that Hokit ‘needs to do better.’

Dana White’s Decision on Josh Hokit

Amber Searls via Imagn Images

Despite the intense backlash, White has clarified that he will not be cutting the fighter from the promotion as punishment for these comments. He cites his profound belief in free speech as the reasoning behind this decision, and it is this belief that has kept several fighters from being cut in the past after making similarly controversial comments.

Speaking after Saturday’s UFC event, White said: “There’s always going to be people that say things that most of us don’t agree with. I mean, just the time, the place, you know?

“I’ve said many times, listen, I voted for Obama the first time, didn’t vote for him the second time. Then, when I was at the inauguration, he was sitting in front of me, and I saw all this stuff on the internet where people are like ‘Dana is mad dogging Obama…’

“Obama is the only one who turned around to me, couldn’t have been a nicer guy, and said, ‘Congratulations on all your success and everything you’ve done’. I said, ‘Thank you, Mr. President,’ and I don’t believe in this s***.

Previously, featherweight Bryce Mitchell came under fire for making a series of deeply offensive anti-Semitic and homophobic comments on a podcast last year, even going as far as to defend the actions of Adolf Hitler.

Despite White slamming the remarks as some of the ‘dumbest’ things anyone has ever said, he refused to punish Mitchell at all. This reiterated his stance on not cracking down on unpopular speech.

Hokit has since doubled down on his comments, refusing to back down from what he said and targeting his critics directly. He particularly went on a rant when speaking about Cormier and ended by saying: “I’m not here for unity; in reality, there will never be unity… I come to divide people’s faces. If you don’t like it, then come do something about it…”

Rory McIlroy had a disappointing weekend at the US Open by his high standard, finishing tied 32nd after the four-day Major. As well as a relatively low finish, he also had one moment of controversy involving a spectator at the event.

McIlroy was largely in contention on Saturday, but a few too many bogeys on the back nine left him well off the pace and behind eventual winner Wyndham Clark, who had crowd troubles of his own.

In the build-up to the event, McIlroy said that the crowd had been welcoming, and seemingly any worries that there would be a repeat of the abuse he received at last year’s Ryder Cup had been thwarted.

However, it is not possible to please everyone.

Rory McIlroy Target of Fan Heckling at US Open

Bill Streicher via Imagn Images

During his final round at Shinnecock Hills, one of the local fans was relentless in his attempt to get under the Northern Irishman’s skin while he attempted his tee shot.

In a video uploaded by X user NUCLRGOLF, the fan can be heard saying: “Get in the bunker. I hope you live there today.”

The spectator did not mince his words and certainly made sure McIlroy could hear him.

It seemed like McIlroy was going to ignore the fan and keep on pushing on the final day, but he then took the opportunity to get one back. He motioned over his stomach with his arms, seemingly implying that the fan may have been overweight!

This was met by a chorus of shocked cheers from the crowd, and the fan who caused the stir sounded particularly taken aback by The Masters champion’s response.

Rory McIlroy Not the Only Target of Fans

Bill Streicher via Imagn Images

That wasn’t the only controversy involving the crowd at the weekend’s event, as eventual winner Wyndham Clark was on the receiving end of plenty of fan scrutiny throughout the tournament.

Fans were heard cheering the winner’s mistakes and becoming audibly annoyed whenever he did something well on the course. This was a backlash from previous antics from last year’s tournament, in which he damaged a historic locker at Oakmont after missing the cut.

Despite the flashpoint for McIlroy, he remained steadfast in his love for playing in front of the passionate local fan base in New York, also saying that major championship environments are a ‘different beast’ when compared to events like the Ryder Cup, where he received a barrage of abuse from the opposing US support.