Why is the second half of France vs Iraq delayed?

Kylian Mbappe is seen running off the pitch in heavy rain after the first half during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between France and Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium — France vs Iraq's second half has been delayed due to the following extreme weather protocols. (Image credit: Getty Images)

France vs Iraq's first half concluded at approximately 10:45pm British time, with the former up 1-0 through a Kylian Mbappe strike.

Mbappe, now just three goals behind all-time leading goalscorer Lionel Messi (who set the record earlier this evening), will have to wait to increase his tally in the now delayed second half.

Due to weather chaos, including heavy downpour and thunderstorms, the clash has been delayed, but what are the protocols for such an occurrence?

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Why is the second half of France vs Iraq delayed?

France's forward Michael Olise reacts during the 2026 World Cup Group I football match between France and Iraq at the Philadelphia Stadium — France will have to wait through a second half weather delay to seal victory against Iraq. (Image credit: Getty Images)

France began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a solid victory against Africa Cup of Nations finalists Senegal.

Mbappe and Michael Olise combined in the second half to defeat the Senagalese side, who battled admirably for much of the preceding minutes.

Kylian Mbappe celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between France and Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium — France struck early vs Iraq, again through Kylian Mbappe with his third goal in two games. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Now, after the two linked up in the 14th minute vs Iraq again to bring France a step closer to knockout football qualification, the game's second half has been delayed.

This follows earlier warnings from tournament organisers and local authorities in Philadelphia.

Due to torrential downpour and extreme weather warnings, fans outside of the city were advised to stay at home for the event.

There was heavy rain three hours prior to kick-off, and delayed gate openings were enforced as a result.

Now, the second half has also been delayed due to lightning strikes, which prompt strict protocol adherence for at least 30 minutes.

Kylian Mbappe tries to control the ball against Akam Hashim #5 and Ahmed Basil #22 of Iraq in the rain during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between France and Iraq — France vs Iraq saw awful conditions at the end of the first half. (Image credit: Getty Images)

In the event of lightning within eight miles of the stadium, the game must be delayed for at least 30 minutes (15 minutes to wait after the last strike, and 15 minutes for the players to warm-up), and that break can recur or even restart following another strike.

In that time, fans and personnel are moved to secure areas or indoor shelters as the timer runs down from the weather event.

As a result, France vs Iraq has been delayed for at least that amount of time, with further delays not just possible, but likely.

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Kedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC, he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television, you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.