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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.
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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 p.m. ET restart with players planning to retake the field at 6:30.
The severe weather was forecast prior to the game. Stadium officials warned fans of inclement weather and that gate openings would be delayed.
The weather was clear enough for the game to start on time, but ultimately intensified enough through the first half to cause the delay.
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Severe weather on the East coast also threatens to impact the World Cup’s evening game. Norway and Senegal are scheduled to play at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey at 6 p.m. ET.
New York and New Jersey are also under thunderstorm watches and a flood advisory with forecasts of high winds and heavy rain in addition to lightning.
This story will be updated.
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