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

“We’re going through a terrible situation tonight,” shouted the stadium announcer during a weather delay that lasted more than two hours in the match between France and Iraq.

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

A game that started at 17:00 local time was finally finished at 20:47 due to safety concerns amid adverse weather conditions.

Rain was falling and storm clouds were forming when Canadian referee Drew Fisher ruled France up 1-0 at 17:49 of halftime.

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

When it was deemed safe enough to restart, it was 20:00.

Eager to make up for lost time, France scored two more goals to win 3-0. Captain Kylian Mbappe scored a double Reached the last 32 in his 100th international appearance as Les Bleus.

There were no hydration breaks in the second half, while there were only two extra minutes at the end.

“It was a long evening,” Mbappe said.

“We spent a lot of time waiting. It was emotionally and mentally draining because we had to be fully focused and engaged in the dressing room.

“An hour and a half – almost two hours – in the dressing room is very difficult to maintain focus. It demands a lot. The players tried a lot, the staff did too.”

So what did they do late?

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

“No, well, we were waiting. We had slots that were being pushed forward again.

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

“It’s a question of safety. You can’t fight rain and lightning.

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