World Cup match delayed by over two hours due to thunderstorm

The second half of France’s 3-0 win against Iraq at the World Cup was delayed by more than two hours due to a thunderstorm.

France and Iraq kicked off as scheduled 10pm BST on Monday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

AFP

However, the rain suddenly came teeming down on the playing surface in the closing stages of the first half.

When it rains, it pours

And because lightning activity was found within eight miles of the stadium, the start of the second half was been delayed.

Fans in attendance were told to ‘exit the open seating areas’ of the ground due to ‘approaching weather.’

The match was not able to restart until there was no lightning within the radius for a 30-minute period.

When France vs Iraq restarted

The match eventually got going at 1am BST, with the players coming out to warm-up at around 12:30am BST.

FIFA also confirmed there will also be no hydration break in the second half.

FIFA statement

In a statement, FIFA said: “Due to the adverse weather conditions and the risk of lightning in the vicinity of the stadium, the FIFA World Cup match between France and Iraq has been suspended.

“A 30 minute break has been announced, however the situation is still being observed to determine if further delays are anticipated.

“FIFA will follow the safety protocols established by the local authorities and the match will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.

“The safety and security of all individuals is FIFA’s priority. We thank all fans for their understanding and co-operation.”

BBC

AFP

France 3-0 Iraq

Despite the adverse weather it was a comfortable game for France as they ran out 3-0 winners. They were 1-0 up at half time thanks to a piledriver from range by Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe scored his and France’s second shortly after the restart after a horrible mix-up at the back from Iraq to net his 16th World Cup goal overall, going level with ex-Germany striker Miroslav Klose. Ousmane Dembele put the French 3-0 up midway through the second half.

Lionel Messi is the only player Mbappe is behind for World Cup goals with the Argentine superstar scoring his 17th and 18th goals during their 2-0 win over Austria earlier on Monday.

The victory sees France book their place in the knockout stage with a victory having beaten Senegal in their opening fixture.

Iraq lost 4-1 to Norway in their first game but still have an outside chance of making it into the knockout stage, but they’d need to beat Senegal in their final game on Friday.

The 2026 World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, has been scheduled during peak storm season in several parts of these countries.

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US and FIFA regulations dictate that matches must be halted if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of a stadium.

Last summer’s Club World Cup in America was hit by weather-related disruptions, including a match between Chelsea and Benfica.

A match can only resume after 30 minutes has passed since the last lightning strike and that countdown will reset should more inclement weather come.

England’s pre-World Cup friendly win over Costa Rica was delayed by an hour on the eve of the tournament earlier this month.