Lightning Stops France vs Iraq at Half Time: Mbappe Scores Then Shelters From a Storm

[Linda52]

Only at this World Cup. France vs Iraq in Philadelphia was suspended at halftime due to lightning in the vicinity of Lincoln Financial Field. FIFA rules state that if lightning is detected within eight miles of the stadium the match must be stopped for at least thirty minutes. The clock then resets every time lightning strikes again within that radius. France were leading 1-0 at the break thanks to a Mbappe goal. Fans were cleared from the bowl of the stadium and herded into the concourse areas. Players returned to dressing rooms. At a tournament that has already had VAR drama red cards goalless draws and Messi breaking records, nature decided to add itself to the list of things making this World Cup chaotic. France eventually resumed and Mbappe extended his lead for France's all-time scoring record.

France Vs Iraq Weather Delay World Cup 2026www.cbssports.com

[BigDog_Fan]

Nature saw Belgium's 23-shot masterclass and decided to offer its own contribution to tournament chaos

[Distant Sienna]

Eight mile lightning radius rule makes sense for safety. Terrible for scheduling. Nobody's fault but still dramatic

[Oscar73]

Mbappe scores then spends halftime hiding from lightning. World Cup 2026 is genuinely unhinged

[Jackson79]

France fans in the concourse must have been a sight. Singing in the corridors waiting out a storm

[BiscuitTin]

The 1974 West Germany Poland semifinal in monsoon conditions is the classic reference. Now we have Philly lightning

[RightNutter82]

Imagine flying from Iraq to America to play in the World Cup and then sitting in a stadium concourse waiting for lightning to pass

[Ann13]

FIFA's safety protocol is sensible. Eight miles is generous buffer. Player and fan safety is the right call every time

[GatewayDrifter]

Mbappe scoring before the storm is convenient. He could have sat through the delay without that goal feeling very different

[MayanHan]

America's summer weather is genuinely extreme. Philadelphia in June can produce serious storms. Tournament planners knew this

[GlobalOliver15]

The French squad probably quite enjoyed an extended halftime break. More time to plan Iraq's downfall

[PhilippeMercadal]

It was bad enough with Englands friendly getting delayed by an hour. but these overnight matches mean very tired mornings when i get up for work. hopefully its the only one of the tournament