The group stage match between France and Iraq in the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a sudden halt as the restart was delayed in the second half, leaving fans confused.
Rain and thunder were forecast for the game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, but the rain cleared a few hours before the game started.
However, during the match the showers returned, eventually becoming very intense and reducing visibility.
When the half-time whistle blew, doubts remained as to when the match would resume, after which it was announced that the match was temporarily suspended due to adverse weather conditions.
“Due to adverse weather conditions in Philadelphia, including the risk of lightning strikes in the vicinity of the stadium, the FIFA World Cup match between France and Iraq has been suspended,” FIFA said in a statement.
«A 30-minute break has been announced. FIFA will follow the safety protocols established by 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 cooperation.»
Published on June 23, 2026
