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France v Iraq match delayed by thunderstorms at World Cup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 9:59 PM

Last updated Jun 22, 2026

France v Iraq match delayed by thunderstorms at World Cup
Summary

The second half of the 2026 World Cup Group I match between France and Iraq is delayed due to thunderstorms. France led 1-0 at halftime when heavy rain and lightning were detected near the Philadelphia stadium. Under FIFA protocol, play must be suspended for at least 30 minutes. Should lightning occur again during that time, the 30-minute countdown will restart. Previous matches delayed by similar weather have lasted several hours.

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By the Numbers
  • •France leads Iraq 1-0 at halftime.
  • •Match suspension due to lightning detected near the stadium.
  • •FIFA protocol requires a minimum 30-minute delay.
  • •Similar weather delays in past matches have extended duration significantly.
  • •Thunderstorms and tornadoes were predicted prior to the game.
Latest Updates
  • 12:02 AMYahoo Sports — 🙌 After nearly 2 hours, France v Iraq resumes at the Cup
  • 10:17 PMYahoo Sports — France-Iraq World Cup game suspended due to severe weather alert
  • 10:09 PMYahoo Sports — 🚨 Fans must leave the stadium! France v Iraq suspended
  • 9:59 PMYahoo Sports — 🚨 France v Iraq second half delayed by thunderstorms!
What they're saying
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The World Cup match between France and Iraq was suspended at half-time on Monday due to a severe weather alert, as fans were told to take shelter from an approaching thunderstorm.It is the first match of this World Cup to be delayed by the threat of severe weather, with strict protocols in place in the United States when a storm is detected in the surrounding area.

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At last, the ball is rolling again for France 1-0 Iraq, in the second round of the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match had been suspended at halftime because of a lightning storm over th...

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The weather god is not being kind to the World Cup right now. Due to an approaching thunderstorm in Philadelphia, the Group I match between France and Iraq was suspended as a precaution.With France le...

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