World Cup match between France and Iraq suspended due to lightning

The World Cup match between France and Iraq in Philadelphia was suspended at halftime due to severe weather conditions, including a thunderstorm and lightning. Spectators were instructed to leave the stands and seek shelter as the storm approached.

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Please exit the opetning seating area and seek shelter

Before the suspension, France held a 1-0 lead, with Kylian Mbappé scoring the sole goal in the 27th minute. The goal, a powerful shot from 18 meters, marked Mbappé's 59th international goal and his third in the current tournament.

This postponement aligns with FIFA's protocol for handling severe weather, prioritizing the safety of players and fans. The match was initially delayed by half an hour due to the inclement weather.

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A severe thunder storm is approaching

Mbappé's goal places him in a compelling scoring race within the tournament, trailing Lionel Messi, who has five goals, and ahead of other notable strikers like Harry Kane and Erling Braut Haaland. France, having won their opening match against Senegal, aims for advancement with a win against Iraq.

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It is clean. It is hard. A good goalkeeper would have saved that. But Mbappe is on fire. He has one goal. That is to catch Messi.