Heavy rain delays France-Iraq World Cup match in Philadelphia

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 7:33 PM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

Heavy rain delays France-Iraq World Cup match in Philadelphia

Summary

Heavy rain delayed the France-Iraq match during the World Cup on June 23, 2026, in Philadelphia. Derik Hamilton, a freelance photographer for The Associated Press, captured the scene of flooding and empty sidelines, emphasizing the rare weather disruption in World Cup play. The intense downpour led to an immediate evacuation of the crowd, highlighting the chaotic shift from a sold-out stadium to an empty venue dominated by water. This incident marks a notable moment as weather delays are infrequent in the tournament, a stark reminder of the uncontrollable elements affecting the games.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Match delayed due to heavy rain on June 23, 2026
•Derik Hamilton captured impactful images of the flood
•Weather disruptions are rare in World Cup history
•Crowd had to evacuate the stadium during the downpour
•Tournament is known for careful event planning

Latest Updates

7:33 PMYahoo Sports — One Extraordinary Photo: What it takes for inclement weather to become the news of the match

What they're saying

"
Derik Hamilton is a freelance photographer for The Associated Press. Weather delays are rare in World Cup play and this photo shows the intensity of the rain and a different side to the world's “beautiful game.” Every moment of the World Cup is carefully planned.
— Yahoo Sportsby DERIK HAMILTON

Related Teams & Leagues

Soccer