France-Iraq Soccer Match Resumes After Two-Hour Storm Delay

A match between France and Iraq in Philadelphia experienced a significant delay on Monday, being suspended at halftime due to an intense electrical storm. The game, part of an international tournament, was halted just as the first half concluded, with France leading 1-0 thanks to a goal from Kylian Mbappé.

The suspension lasted for more than two hours, with the second half finally commencing around 8:00 PM local time, after the initial whistle for the first half's end at 5:48 PM. The delay was attributed to severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and lightning, which are common in the East Coast region during this time of year.

FIFA's safety regulations stipulate that play cannot resume until at least 30 minutes have passed without any lightning strikes near the stadium. This incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding weather disruptions during the World Cup, particularly on the East Coast where many stadiums are open-air. This France-Iraq match is the first in the tournament to be affected by the climate after eleven days of competition.