World Cup 2026: France-Iraq game delayed due to thunderstorm in Philadlephia

After a first-half played in the pouring rain, Monday’s World Cup game between France and Iraq in Philadelphia was delayed due to a thunderstorm.

The delay is the first at this year’s World Cup. France held a 1-0 lead at the break in action thanks to a goal from Kylian Mbappé.

Rain intensified as halftime approached. Just before the half, stadium officials at Lincoln Financial Field asked fans exposed to the elements to move onto the concourse, warning of a severe thunderstorm approaching.

A French fan gestures past a screen showing a severe thunder storm warning during the 2026 World Cup Group I football match between France and Iraq at the Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia on June 22, 2026. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images)ROBERTO SCHMIDT via Getty Images

At halftime, the delay was announced.

Per the Fox broadcast, the initial plan was for a 7 ET restart with players planning to retake the field at 6:30.

This story will be updated.