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France 24
France 24
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FRANCE 24

World Cup 2026: France-Iraq match suspended as stadium is evacuated due to thunderstorms

Fans wear raincoats at halftime of the 2026 World Cup Group I football match between France and Iraq at the Philadelphia Stadium.
Fans wear raincoats at halftime of the 2026 World Cup Group I football match between France and Iraq at the Philadelphia Stadium on June 22, 2026. © Franck Fife, AFP

Heavy rain and an approaching thunderstorm delayed the second half of France's World Cup match against Iraq on Monday, forcing thousands of fans to seek shelter in the first weather-related disruption of the tournament. The stoppage came as severe weather also threatened another fixture in nearby New Jersey.

Heavy rain and an incoming thunderstorm prompted a delay at half-time of Monday's World Cup match between France and Iraq and sent thousands of fans seeking shelter.

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