The second half of the World Cup clash between France and Iraq has been delayed due to rain and lightning in the surrounding area

France’s World Cup clash against Iraq has been delayed due to lightning and adverse weather conditions at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.

The second half of the Group I fixture was due to commence just after 6pm local time (11pm BST), but has been pushed back due to lightning after heavy rain impacted the first half.

A 75-minute delay has thus far played out but it looks as though the second half is finally set to begin with the players back out on the pitch to conduct a short warm-up. The plan is for the game to then resume at 7:30 ET.

A FIFA statement on the situation stated: “Due to adverse weather conditions in Philadelphia, including the risk of lightning in the vicinity of the stadium, the Fifa World Cup match between France and Iraq has been suspended.

“A 30-minute break has been announced. However, the situation is still being observed to determine if further delays are anticipated.

Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by _signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!

“Fifa will follow the safety protocols established by the 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.”

No other World Cup matches have thus far been halted or postponed due to heavy rain or lightning but England’s friendly against New Zealand was pushed back by over one hour because of stormy conditions.

Kelly Cates had announced the delay during BBC’S half-time analysis. She said: “There is a delay to the start of the second-half, there’s what they call lightning activity in the area around the stadium in Philadelphia.

“So they’re going to wait until that passes. Fans are being asked to take shelter outside of the stadium bowl itself. There are really strong safety protocols in place in the United States.

“So they’re just going to go get everybody safe, and then the minute there hasn’t been any lightning activity for 15 minutes, the players will come out and then they will warm up for 15 minutes, and then the second-half will get underway. Fingers crossed, we’re hoping that the storm is going to pass in plenty of time.”

The issues at the 2025 Club World Cup and delays to England’s pre-tournament friendly earlier this month, it is somewhat shocking that it has taken this long for another weather-related problem to emerge.

Despite the warnings, BBC have shown multiple shots of the stadium with many viewers still outside. Mass rain appears set to continue into the evening but lightning is not expected for much longer.

That could be enough to cause more delays of potentially up to an hour, however it will certainly be hoped that there is no lightning activity going forward as that will allow players to start a 15-minute warm-up.

The beaming sun has caused more controversy so far at the tournament with hydration breaks booed. The hope from FIFA will be that no more severe weather impacts fixtures, particularly with the final group-stage games all kicking off at the same time.

US President Donald Trump had a close relationship with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer – until it unravelled over disagreements on the war in Iran.

In the wake of Starmer’s resignation announcement, the BBC’s Sarah Smith looks at the relationship between both leaders, and what Trump will want from UK’s next prime minister.

Heat is no longer a future climate risk. It is already here.

Across continents, high temperatures are being pushed higher by forces acting at once: human-caused warming, very warm oceans, dry soils, slow-moving high-pressure weather systems and El Niño conditions that have now developed in the tropical Pacific.

El Niño is a natural warming of part of the tropical Pacific that can shift weather patterns around the world. It is not the cause of climate change, but when it develops in a climate already warmed by greenhouse gas pollution, it can add another push to global temperatures and regional extremes.

The science is clear. Greenhouse gases have raised the baseline, so heatwaves now begin from a warmer starting point. Record ocean heat adds more energy to the climate system. Dry ground can intensify heat, because less of the sun’s energy goes into evaporating water from soil and plants, and more goes into heating the air.

Weather patterns decide where that heat lands. A “heat dome” happens when a high-pressure system settles over a region. Air sinks, clouds are suppressed and temperatures can climb for days. The danger grows when nights remain hot, because bodies, buildings and infrastructure get little chance to cool.

El Niño’s effects vary by region and season, so it will not explain every heatwave in 2026. But it is now being added to long-term warming, and that combination can raise the risk of more extreme heat, drought or heavy rainfall in some regions, including parts of Asia, Australia and the Americas.

In the UK, Kew Gardens reached 35.1°C in late May, provisionally breaking the national May temperature record for the second day in a row. The previous record, before the 2026 heat, was 32.8°C, reached in 1922 and 1944.

Elsewhere, the same pattern is visible. Spring 2026 was the hottest spring recorded in France since records began in 1900. In the United States, March 2026 was the warmest March on record for the contiguous US (the lower 48 states). India’s meteorological service issued an extended heatwave outlook into early July for parts of northern, central and eastern India, while China’s National Climate Center has forecast above-normal summer temperatures, especially in southern China and Xinjiang in the north west. In Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales have just had one of their ten warmest autumns on record.

Heat kills

Heat often kills without leaving obvious damage behind: it pushes bodies past what they can tolerate.

High temperatures can cause dehydration, strain the heart, worsen kidney disease and aggravate respiratory illness. Heat can also affect mental health and increase distress. Older people, babies, people with chronic illness, outdoor workers and those living alone are among those at higher risk.

Hot nights make heatwaves more dangerous because the body has less chance to recover. Research has linked high nighttime temperatures with increased heat-related deaths. In an overheated bedroom, care home or hospital ward, strain can continue for hours.

The death toll from heat is large, but often underestimated because heat may worsen existing illness rather than appear as the sole cause of death. A 2025 European analysis estimated 62,775 heat-related deaths in Europe in 2024 alone. The Lancet Countdown reports that heat-related deaths among older people have risen sharply, and that hundreds of thousands of people now die globally each year from heat.

Heat also puts pressure on the systems people rely on. Hospitals fill faster. Care homes become harder to cool. Rail lines buckle. Roads soften. Rivers warm and water quality declines. Electricity demand rises as people use fans and air-conditioning, while low river flows can affect water quality and supply. A power cut can disrupt cooling, transport, water systems, shops, hospitals and communications.

What helps during a heatwave

People can reduce risk, especially if they act before they feel ill.

Cool the body early: drink water regularly, use shade, take cool showers and put wet cloths on the skin. People who have been told to restrict fluids because of heart failure, kidney disease or another medical condition should follow medical advice about how much to drink.

Avoid being outside in the hottest part of the day where possible. Outdoor workers, athletes and people who travel on foot need particular protection.

Keep homes cooler before they overheat. Close curtains or blinds during the day, especially on windows facing the sun. Open windows after sunset if it is cooler outside than inside. Sleep in the coolest room available.

Check on people at higher risk. Do they have water, shade, medication, a way to get help and somewhere cooler to go if home becomes unsafe?

À lire aussi :
Power outages in heat waves and storms can threaten the lives of medical device users – we looked at who is most at risk

Take official warnings seriously. Follow heat-health alerts, local weather warnings and public health advice. Have a simple plan for medicines, transport, pets, food, drinking water and somewhere cooler to go if needed.

Seek urgent medical help if someone becomes confused, faints, has a seizure, collapses, has very hot skin, has a very high temperature, or does not improve after being moved somewhere cooler and cooled down.

Inequality and infrastructure

Personal precautions save lives, but they cannot make unsafe housing safe, cool a badly ventilated care home or protect outdoor workers without changes to working conditions.

Heat risk is shaped by inequality. People without trees, insulation, ventilation, secure work, clean water or affordable energy are less able to avoid exposure, cool their homes or recover after extreme heat. The same pattern applies between countries: communities that have contributed least to climate change are often disproportionately affected, because they have fewer resources for adaptation, healthcare, infrastructure and disaster response.

Adapting to heat has to be collective: cooler housing, shaded streets, heat-resilient hospitals, reliable water systems, worker protections, public cooling spaces and early warning systems that reach the people who need them.

Heat and drought are increasingly linked emergencies. Heat increases demand for water and electricity. Drought can reduce supply. Together, they can create failures across health, transport, food, water and energy. Water, health, energy and climate planning need to be connected, because stress in one system can quickly spread to another.

The next heatwave will be reported as weather. It should also be understood as a test of housing, healthcare, infrastructure and public protection. A hotter world is already here. The question now is how many heat-related deaths and system failures governments are prepared to accept as normal.

The builder was found dead in April and it was during dramatic new scenes that Sarah Platt was confirmed to be his killer

Coronation Street fans fear that the exit of a Weatherfield legend may be on the cards as Theo Silverton’s killer was finally revealed in the long-running show.

The builder was found dead in April, bringing an end to his 13-month reign of both physical and mental abuse over his partner, Todd Grimshaw, who had reported his husband to the police shortly before his unexpected death.

Theo’s lifeless body was found by a horrified Betsy Swain on the night of her mum, Lisa Swain’s, wedding to Carla Connor, after flashforward scenes aired in February revealed she was being interviewed by police after the deadly discovery.

Click here to sign up for more Coronation Street updates in our newsletter

It wasn’t until a week after the wedding actually took place on April 23, and aired on-screen, that Betsy was seen discovering Theo dead, with Lisa, aka DS Connor-Swain and DC Kit Green having since been leading the investigation into finding his killer.

Corrie previously confirmed Todd Grimshaw, George Shuttleworth, Summer Spellman, Christina Boyd, Gary Windass and Danielle Silverton as the six potential suspects.

But the big reveal in Monday’s (June 22) episode of the ITV soap revealed that it wasn’t any of the six, as it was Sarah Platt who appeared to deal the blow that sent a drunk Theo tumbling off the scaffolding outside his flat and plummeting to the ground.

The truth was revealed to the audience only as Sarah and her partner, DC Kit Green’s, dinner party unfolded. Tensions were high at the couple’s flat, with Maria Windass wasting no time in confronting her husband, Gary Windass, and Sarah over their suspected affair.

However, it was soon revealed that all their recent hushed conversations and support of one another were for a reason, just not that they were hiding something much more damaging, as flashbacks revealed that it was Gary whom Sarah called for help when she realised Theo was dead.

But now, Corrie fans are worried it could mean an exit for Sarah, and actress Tina O’Brien, who plays her. @TheWelshTopBoy said: “#CoronationStreet #Corrie what a reveal! I had a feeling it was gonna be Todd or summer but good on Sarah for killing Theo. The flashbacks showed he was clearly gonna attack Sarah. Hope this doesn’t mean Sarah leaves tho, I think when Kit finds out he will defend/lie for Sarah.”

@Lozza479761 commented: “I can’t imagine Tina is leaving Corrie, so either an innocent person will go to prison or something else will happen. #corrie #swarla.” @SwarlaEndgame posted: “I’m not gonna explicitly mention the killer cause i don’t wanna spoil it, but I am impressed with Corrie making a bold choice by having it be a main character, but I swear if they go to jail I might have to start my own ‘free Deirdre ‘ type campaign.” @sadpphicss replied: “Right?! Because surely they won’t jail them?”

Tina O’Brien has spoken for the first time as it was revealed that Sarah Platt was the one who killed Theo Silverton in the ITV soap

Coronation Street star Tina O’Brien has broken her silence after it was revealed that Sarah Platt was the one who killed Theo Silverton in the show’s latest ‘whodunnit’ storyline.

The builder was found dead after his true colours were exposed, with his death bringing an end to his 13-month reign of both physical and mental abuse over his partner, Todd Grimshaw.

And as those who follow the Salford-based ITV soap know, DS Lisa Connor-Swain and DC Kit Green have so far spent weeks trying to pin down Theo Silverton’s killer following his shock demise in April.

Click here to sign up for more Coronation Street updates in our newsletter

But Kit is completely unaware that it’s his partner who is hiding as killer secret, as during Monday’s (June 22) dramatic visit to Weatherfield, it was revealed to viewers that she was responsible for Theo’s death.

A dramatic dinner party, hosted by Kit and Sarah, saw tensions reach boiling point, while flashback scenes revealed what exactly happened to Theo – and who was responsible.

As the dinner unfolded, a ruthless Maria Windass confronted her husband, Gary Windass, and Sarah about their suspected affair. And the timing couldn’t have been worse, as Kit had been planning to propose.

While the truth wasn’t revealed around the table, for Corrie viewers, it was soon revealed that all their recent hushed conversations and support of one another were for a reason, just not that they were hiding something much more damaging.

A spine-tingling flashback then took us back to the night of Theo’s murder, when Sarah received a suspicious text from Todd’s phone. She headed to the flat he had shared with Theo when she was confronted by the dastardly builder on the scaffolding that had been erected outside.

A drunk Theo prodded and poked Sarah’s emotions, even bringing up the son she and Todd had lost 21 years earlier. But as their confrontation became more sinister, as Theo threatened Sarah with violence, the Underworld factory manager defended herself by grabbing a metal pipe, which she hit on Theo’s head, sending him crashing to the ground below. And upon realising what she had done, she phoned Gary to help her.

He was soon furious to have been dragged into the mess, but helped Sarah nevertheless. He told Sarah to clean herself up and ensure she had an alibi, and she didn’t need to do much planning on that front, as viewers already know, she was unexpectedly knocked unconscious by Jodie Ramsey.

Advertisement

Speaking about her first reaction to finding out Sarah was Theo’s killer, Tina said: “I was really shocked, but for me, personally, I completely understand how it happened, why it happened. For me to get into her character and her head, I feel like, in that moment, she didn’t feel like she had any other choice.”

And keeping it quiet hasn’t been easy. “I’ve literally been a big bag of nerves,” the soap star, who has played Sarah since 1999, said. “It’s been so difficult, I told my mum and I just recently told [her children] Scarlett and my son Beau. Yeah.

“It’s really hard having to keep it quiet for that long, especially when you’re online, you’re seeing all the chat on social media, everyone’s saying I think it’s such a body, I think this, and I think that. Actually filming these scenes the weeks after have been the hardest thing I’ve ever filmed because I felt like my face looked guilty constantly and I was like, everyone’s going to know it’s me instantly. So that’s been really difficult.”

While fans are worried as to what this could mean for Sarah – and Tina’s – future, the soap star said: “There was a lot of debate in the green room as soon as we were told there was going to be a murderer. A lot of people were playing Cluedo. First off, some of the cast were told they were involved in the storyline, but they weren’t the murderer. So by the time it got to me to go for my meeting, I was a bit like, I think it’s me!

!But I genuinely didn’t worry, at the end of the day, this job is incredible, but to be an actor is not necessarily a job for life. So, I just was really excited to be given the honour of being the murderer, and then hopefully, however it plays out, I’ll enjoy Sarah’s arc.”

George Pino, 55, has been found not guilty of vessel homicide and manslaughter charges over the death of 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez during a birthday boat party in Biscayne Bay, Florida

A dad who threw a birthday celebration for his daughter and 12 friends that ended in catastrophe on a boat has been found not guilty by a jury today.

On September 4, 2022, George and Cecilia Pino hosted an 18th birthday celebration for their daughter aboard their boat. The group included several teenage girls who were lifelong friends and classmates including Lucy Fernandez.

According to investigators, George Pino was operating the family’s 29-foot boat as it returned to the dock when it struck a channel marker near Boca Chita Key. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said Pino told investigators that another vessel had passed by and created a large wake. He allegedly said he turned to check on the girls after the wake and, in doing so, collided with the marker.

The collision tore a gaping hole in the vessel’s hull, hurling those on board into the water.

Six passengers were rushed to hospital but tragically one of his daughter’s friends, 17 year old Lucy Fernandez, tragically died and another friend was left with permanent injuries. Fernandez was reportedly trapped beneath the boat and died from drowning-related injuries in hospital approximately 12 hours later.

George Pino, 55, has now been cleared of vessel homicide and manslaughter following the boat crash near Boca Chita Key.

For two weeks, jurors heard testimony from more than 20 witnesses, including Fernandez’s father, Andres, and Pino’s wife, Cecilia. The jury also watched footage showing Fernandez and her friends jumping around the 29-foot vessel and singing along to Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl,” illustrating how rapidly the party marking Pino’s daughter’s 18th birthday turned disastrous, NBC 6 South Florida reported.

“In a case like this, there are no winners or losers”

Throughout the trial Pino pleaded not guilty and maintained his innocence. During closing arguments, Pino began to cry as his defense claimed that the crash was an accident.

Pino’s lead attorney, Howard Srebnick, released the following statement: “We are grateful to the jurors for their careful consideration of the evidence and for reaching a just verdict. From the beginning, we have maintained that the events of September 4, 2022, were a tragic accident, not a crime.

“The testimony presented at trial, including unrebutted accounts from eyewitnesses who saw no signs of impairment, confirmed that Mr. Pino was not under the influence, was not operating the vessel recklessly and that he did everything he could to protect his passengers after the accident.

“We continue to mourn the loss of Lucy Fernandez every day and to pray for all those who were affected by this maritime mishap. Our hearts remain with the families of those involved in the accident, and we hope that today’s verdict allows everyone to continue the long process of healing.”

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle released the following statement after the verdict: “In a case like this, there are no winners or losers. Mr. Pino must live with what he did, while the Fernandez and Puig families will grapple with the consequences of his actions. hese families and, to some extent, our community as a whole have been deeply impacted by this tragedy.

“While I and my prosecutors, Assistant State Attorney Laura Adams and Assistant State Attorney Jonathon Borst, may disagree with the verdict, jury’s decisions are the cornerstone of our justice system, and we accept their decision and appreciate their service.”

Firefighters and police were called to the scene in Sheriff Hutton Road, Strensall, shortly before 9.10am on Monday (June 22).

All occupants of the vehicles were out when the two crews arrived, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

A service spokesperson said the crews “disconnected the batteries of both vehicles and the incident was left with the police”.

The latest forecast for both areas shows temperatures rising sharply from tomorrow (Tuesday, June 23) with sunny intervals and highs of 30°C expected in Darlington.

The red-hot temperatures will continue as the week goes on, with Wednesday set to bring a day of full sun and highs of 29°C.

Temperatures will then rise again on Thursday (June 25) when another day of full sun brining scorching temperatures of 33°C to the town.

Friday is also expected to remain warm, with sunny intervals and highs of 26C, before temperatures ease slightly over the weekend.

When will it be hottest in Darlington and County Durham?

The hottest days of the week are currently forecast to be Tuesday and Thursday, when temperatures are set to reach 30C.

On Tuesday, temperatures are expected to build through the day, reaching 24°C by midday, 27°C by 2pm and 29°C by 4pm.

While some of us welcome the hot weather, it can cause some people to become unwell.
Follow @UKHSA advice to stay safe in the heat:
👉Drink lots of water
👉Apply sun cream generously!
👉Find shade where you can
👉Look out for vulnerable friends and neighbours
More tips for… pic.twitter.com/TPNjnFfrWs

— Met Office (@metoffice) June 22, 2026

Advertisement

Thursday is also expected to be hot and sunny, with temperatures climbing from 20°C at 8am to 24°C by 10am.

By midday, the temperature is forecast to reach 28°C, before peaking at 31°C during the afternoon – but with the potential to reach 33°C.

Forecast for the week

The seven-day forecast is:

• Today: Cloudy, highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C
• Tuesday, June 23: Sunny intervals, highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C
• Wednesday, June 24: Sunny day, highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C
• Thursday, June 25: Sunny day, highs of 33°C and lows of 17°C
• Friday, June 26: Sunny intervals, highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C
• Saturday, June 27: Sunny intervals, highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C
• Sunday, June 28: Sunny intervals, highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C

Very high pollen forecast

People with hay fever may also want to take extra care, as the pollen level for County Durham and Darlington is listed as very high.

The forecast says grass pollen will be very high, while weed pollen is expected to be high.

UV levels are forecast to be moderate, with people advised to take care during the middle of the day and avoid spending too long in the sun without protection.

Heat health alert issued

An amber heat health alert has also been issued for the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber for the same period.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “Very hot weather is forecast across large parts of England in the coming days and we are urging health and social care services across the country to ensure they are prepared.

“It is vitally important that people understand the risk posed by high temperatures like these, and take steps to keep themselves and their friends, families and neighbours safe.

“A red heat health alert indicates a risk to life for even the healthy population, but simple actions like staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool can make a big difference.

“It’s also important to look out for others, especially elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, to make sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.”

As temperatures rise to the high 30s, the Met Office warns that the heat will impact health, infrastructure and property.

Red warnings are rare and only issued in exceptional circumstances. The last red warning for extreme heat was issued in July 2022.

This was also when the UK temperature record of 40.3C was set in Coningsby, Lincolnshire.

With forecasts suggesting we could see 40C on Wednesday or Thursday in parts of England, this record may be under threat.

UKHSA red heat health alerts, which also run through Wednesday and Thursday across the Midlands, eastern and southern England, indicate that severe impacts are expected across health and social care services, with an increased risk to life across the whole population.

Heat health alerts are intended to inform the health and social care sector and the responder community.

Amber heat health alerts have also been issued across Northern England for the same times.

Harry Kane stacks up against any other striker in the World Cup according to Declan Rice after the England skipper scored twice in their opener against Croatia

Declan Rice says Harry Kane is such a legendary figure in English football that he will tell his kids he played with him. England midfielder Rice clearly believes the Bayern Munich superstar stands up against any of the strikers at the World Cup.

And Rice admits that even he gets star struck at times by just how good Kane is while he also insisted England can go all the way this summer.

Rice said: “He’s one of those players that can tell the kids when they’re older that they got to play with Harry Kane. For me, that’s unbelievable.

“He’s one of them players that I’m very fortunate to have. One, he’s our captain. But two, how he leads by example every day and how he pushes in training.

“It’s not a surprise to me how good he is just because of the goals he scores in training and what he’s been doing at Bayern Munich and what he’s been doing in an England shirt. It’s been an honour to play with him.”

England made a winning start to their Group but Rice says they will face a tough test against Ghana – but will be determined to win and says they believe they can beat anyone.

Rice said: “We are just as motivated if not more motivated to win. Harry spoke about it earlier that we haven’t always had a great result in the second game so we have to get that right.

“If you look back on the second half, it was probably the best half of football we’ve played under Thomas.

“That performance was the benchmark now and if we keep playing like that then we will be a match for anyone and we should have confidence in our ability and believe we can beat anyone in this tournament.”

Rice also says he will face a difficult battle against former Arsenal team mate Thomas Partey who he will be up against in midfield.

Rice added: “I played against Thomas, so I played with Thomas Arsenal. A really good player, but also I’ve played against a lot of the Ghana team. And like I said from the clips, I know what they’re going to bring.

“They’re going to bring strength and pace. They want to catch us out on the counter attack. So yeah, we need to be ready for everything. But also, we have played against a lot of them. Players already know what’s going to be coming tomorrow.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.