France dispatched Iraq 3-0 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 22, with the match at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field interrupted by a thunderstorm delay lasting roughly two hours at halftime.
Kylian Mbappé was the headline act, netting twice on what happened to be his 100th international appearance. His second goal brought his career World Cup tally to 16, putting him level with Miroslav Klose on the tournament’s all-time scoring list.
The delay nobody planned for
Severe thunderstorms rolling through Philadelphia forced players, staff, and fans to shelter during halftime. The suspension stretched to approximately two hours and 10 minutes, marking the first weather-related stoppage of the entire 2026 tournament.
Mbappé described the experience as physically and mentally draining. Staying match-ready in a locker room for nearly two hours, unsure exactly when play would resume, is not a scenario any training regimen prepares you for.
