Does the 2026 FIFA World Cup have a reserve day?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage match between France and Iraq was suspended on Tuesday at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field due to unfavorable weather conditions.

“Due to adverse weather conditions in Philadelphia, including the risk of lightning strikes in the vicinity of the stadium, the FIFA World Cup match between France and Iraq has been suspended,” FIFA said in a statement.

«A 30-minute break has been announced. FIFA will follow the safety protocols established by local authorities, and the match will resume as soon as it is safe to do so. The safety and security of all individuals is FIFA’s priority. We thank all fans for their understanding and cooperation.»

At the time of writing this, heavy showers have fallen on the venue, which begs the question: if the storm continues, could the match be suspended for the day?

Yes, if the weather does not improve, the competition may be postponed for a day.

Does the 2026 FIFA World Cup have a reserve day?

No, there is no reserve day per say for the Football World Cup. However, if storms interrupt a match on a particular day, it is usually moved to the next day, from the exact minute and score.

This specific protocol is detailed in Article 6 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Rules, which specifically addresses “Matches abandoned due to force majeure”.

Section 6.9 of the document states: “FIFA shall have the right at its sole discretion to cancel, reschedule or reschedule any match or matches (or the entire FIFA World Cup 26) for any reason, including as a result of force majeure or because of health, safety or security concerns.”

FIFA further stipulates that in the event that a match is abandoned due to force majeure after the match has already started, the following principles apply:

• The match will resume at the minute play was stopped, rather than being replayed in full, and with the same score. The match shall be resumed at the place where play was stopped when the match was interrupted (e.g. free kick, throw-in, goal kick, corner kick, penalty kick, etc.). If the match was abandoned while the ball was still in play, the match must be restarted with a dropped ball from the position where the ball was when play was stopped.

• The match will resume with the same players on the pitch and available substitutes as when the match was abandoned.

• No additional substitutes may be added to the list of players on the starting list.

• The teams can only make the number of substitutions to which they were still entitled when the match was abandoned.

• Players sent off the field during the abandoned match cannot be replaced.

• Any disciplinary action imposed before the match was abandoned will be dealt with in accordance with FIFA’s disciplinary code.

• The kick-off time, date, location and other matters are determined by FIFA

Published on June 23, 2026