The score stood at France 1, Iraq 0 when play was stopped. The start of the second half was scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. PDT once conditions were cleared. Players returned to the field to warm up ahead of the restart.
FIFA said the game would resume once conditions were deemed safe. The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Philadelphia area earlier Monday that remained in effect until 6 p.m. PDT.
The start of the 2nd half between France and Iraq has been delayed due to thunderstorms.
Heavy rain fell during the final 15 minutes of the first half. At halftime, big screens around the stadium displayed a message asking fans to leave their seats and seek shelter.
The rain is coming down in Philly ☔️
Broadcast changes
With the start of the second half of the France-Iraq game delayed by more than an hour because of severe weather, Fox moved the Norway vs. Senegal match to FS1 at 5 p.m. PDT. Fox continued to carry the France-Iraq match, which was expected to resume at 4:50 p.m.
Mbappé puts France ahead
Kylian Mbappé scored from outside the box in the 14th minute on a ball that went off the hands of Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil and into the top left corner of the net for his 15th career World Cup goal. It was Mbappé's third goal of the 2026 World Cup.
France dictated play from the opening whistle. Mbappé nearly scored in the 13th minute when Basil knocked down his shot. Coming off an Iraq turnover, Michael Olise found Mbappé with space just outside the box, and Mbappé finished for the early lead.
Kylian Mbappé's 15th career FIFA World Cup goal was a work of art 🎨
At halftime, France held a 1-0 lead and looked to clinch a spot in the knockout stage with a win over Iraq. France controlled the ball for 58% of the match through the first half, with play mostly on the Iraq side of the field. Iraq had a couple of chances but was unable to test France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Rain intensifies in the first half
France continued to dominate as heavy rain started to fall at Lincoln Financial Field around the 34th minute. With the score still France 1, Iraq 0 in the 37th minute, France kept the ball mostly on the Iraq side of the field.
Iraq had some limited chances but was still looking for its first shot on goal. France had controlled the ball for 65% of the match at that stage.
World Cup fandom across U.S. cities
World Cup supporters from 47 other countries have filled social media with unabashed delight over destinations and products woven into American life. Fans have highlighted items and experiences that include ranch dressing, Waffle House, Boston lager on tap, Texas barbecue, and ubiquitous supermarkets.
Americans have been captivated by the displays of group fervor, zany behavior, and national pride that accompany nearly every match at each of the 16 venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Norwegian supporters rowed through Times Square, and the Tartan Army stormed Boston as World Cup fandom spread across U.S. streets.
