World Cup 2026: What France and Iraq did with a two-hour weather delay

“We’ve had a terrible night tonight,” shouted the stadium announcer during a more than two-hour weather delay in the match between France and Iraq.

It was a challenging night for all the players, coaches and 68,344 fans in Philadelphia Stadium.

The game, which started at 17:00 local time, was finally finished at 20:47 due to bad weather due to security concerns.

Storms were building when Canadian referee Drew Fisher blew a half-time breather as France led 1-0 at 17:49.

Then came the threat of heavy rain and thunderstorms in the area.

When it was finally safe to resume, it was 20:00.

Eager to make up for lost time, France scored two more goals to win 3-0. Captain Kylian Mbappe scored twice. Les Bleus reach the last 32 on their 100th international appearance.

There was no let-up in the second half, with just two extra minutes at the end.

“It was a very long night,” Mbappe said.

“We spent a lot of time waiting, it’s emotional and mental fatigue, because we had to be fully focused and involved in the dressing room.

“Staying in the dressing room for an hour and a half – almost two hours – it’s very difficult to stay focused. It takes a lot. The players worked hard, as did the staff.”

So what did they do with the delay?

“We played cards,” joked France boss Didier Deschamps.

“No, well, we’ve been waiting, we’ve had gaps to push forward again.

“I was really having a good time with my players and having fun.

“It’s a safety question, you can’t fight rain and lightning.

“It doesn’t make me angry. These are very special situations and I hope they don’t happen again. It was important not to take any risks.”