PHILADELPHIA — Heavy rain and thunderstorms caused the first weather delay of the 2026 World Cup, forcing France's match against Iraq to be suspended for more than two hours during halftime before Les Bleus completed a 3-0 victory on Monday.The halftime break at Lincoln Financial Field lasted two hours and 10 minutes after severe weather, including lightning and heavy rain, prompted officials to suspend play for safety reasons.
An electronic screen displays a message asking attendees to seek shelter due to the weather conditions of France during the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage match France against Iraq, in Philadelphia. — EPA
Halftime began at 5:50 p.m. local time, with the match eventually resuming at 8 p.m., making it one of the longest weather interruptions in modern World Cup history.France, leading 1-0 at the break, returned to score twice more after the delay, with Kylian Mbappé netting his second goal of the night as Didier Deschamps' side secured a place in the knockout stage.“It’s a question of safety,” Deschamps said. “You can’t fight against rain and lightning. We have to adapt.”Fans were instructed to leave their seats and move to covered areas inside the stadium as severe thunderstorms passed through Philadelphia. Thousands of spectators gathered in concourses and under balconies while heavy rain drenched the pitch.FIFA protocols require play to be suspended for at least 30 minutes whenever lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius, with each additional strike resetting the clock.
