World Cup Sees First Weather Delay, with France-Iraq Game in Philadelphia Paused for 2 Hours
France led 1-0 when officials halted play and ordered fans to shelter as a severe thunderstorm and tornado watch hit the stadium.
- On Monday, June 22, 2026, officials suspended the FIFA World Cup match between France and Iraq at halftime in Philadelphia due to a severe thunderstorm, with France leading 1-0 from a 14th-minute goal by Kylian Mbappé.
- The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for Philadelphia shortly before the suspension, forcing stadium officials to activate emergency protocols and direct spectators to "exit the open seating area and seek shelter in covered areas of the stadium."
- FIFA mandates a 30-minute delay if lightning strikes within 10 miles of Lincoln Financial Field, with each subsequent strike adding time; the match must remain halted for at least 30 minutes before play can potentially resume.
- According to FOX Sports, the match was scheduled to resume around 7 p.m. ET if weather conditions improved, with players slated to begin warmups at 6:30 p.m. ET provided the severe weather threat passed.
- This marks the first 2026 World Cup match interrupted by weather, a scenario that raised pre-tournament concerns; several games at last year's Club World Cup in the United States also faced delays due to bad weather.
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164 Articles
The twelfth matchday of the World Cup was dominated by the severe weather that battered parts of the United States. As a result, France-Iraq was delayed by nearly two hours…
The selections of the Old Continent confirmed their superiority in the 2026 World Cup event by means of competitive high-level exhibitions on the east coast of the United States. France and Norway chained their second consecutive victories, adding six points and ensuring their mathematical presence in the Deciseisavos at the end. Both squads resolved their respective commitments with technical authority, leaving Iraq and Senegal without options …
It rained and rained in Philadelphia, the half-time break of the World Cup between France and Iraq lasted for more than two hours. Matchwinner was Kylian Mbappé. He remains Lionel Messi on his heels.
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