World Cup 2026: France tops Iraq after 2

A lengthy weather delay in Philadelphia slowed Monday’s World Cup action but didn’t hinder France in a 3-0 in over Iraq that featured two goals from Kylian Mbappé.

The game was officially delayed at halftime around 6:05 p.m. ET following a first half that was played under pouring rain. Play resumed just after 8 p.m., more than two hours after the conclusion of the first half at roughly 5:50 ET.

Groundskeepers used brooms to clear out standing pools of water on the field just before play resumed.

The delay was the first at this year's World Cup. France held a 1-0 lead at the break in action thanks to a goal from Mbappé. Mbappé scored his second goal shortly after play resumed, and France cruised to the 3-0 to improve to 2-0 and secure its place in the knockout round.

The weather was clear enough for the game to start as scheduled, but rain intensified as halftime approached.

Just before the half, stadium officials at Lincoln Financial Field asked fans exposed to the elements to move onto the concourse, warning of a severe thunderstorm approaching.

At halftime, the delay was announced.

The severe weather was forecast prior to the game. Stadium officials warned fans of inclement weather and that gate openings would be delayed.

The delay caused the game to overlap with the evening game in East Rutherford, N.J. between Norway and Senegal that started at 8 p.m.

New York and New Jersey were also under thunderstorm watches and a flood advisory with Monday forecasts of high winds and heavy rain in addition to lightning. But the Senegal-Norway game started as scheduled in dry conditions.