Weather Delays Second Half Of France-Iraq World Cup Match

WASHINGTON, June 23 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The start of the second half of the 2026 FIFA World Cup match between France and Iraq was delayed on Monday due to severe weather conditions in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Anadolu Ajansi reported.

The match was suspended at half-time as stadium officials issued a warning about an approaching thunderstorm.

Announcements over the public address system instructed fans to leave their seats and move to covered areas inside the stadium.

"Please exit the open seating area and seek shelter in the stadium as directed by the stadium staff. A severe thunderstorm is approaching," a message displayed on the stadium scoreboard read.

Thousands of spectators, many wearing rain ponchos, were seen leaving the seating bowl and heading beneath the stadium concourses.

France led 1-0 thanks to a 14th-minute goal by Kylian Mbappe.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU