The start of the second ​half of France's World Cup game ‌against Iraq was delayed due ​to thunderstorms, FIFA said ⁠on Monday (June 22, 2026).

A FIFA spokesperson said the game would resume at least 30 minutes ‌from when the halftime break started. "Please exit the open ‌seating area and seek shelter ‌in ⁠the stadium as directed ⁠by the stadium staff. A severe thunderstorm is approaching," an advisory message on the ​scoreboard read.

FIFA World Cup 2026 | France vs Iraq updates on June 22, 2026

France were ‌leading 1-0 after Kylian Mbappe scored his 15th goal at a World Cup in the 14th ‌minute.

There was no indication on ​when the match would restart.

World Cup matches in the ⁠United States can face lengthy delays because FIFA must comply with local ‌lightning safety regulations.

Under U.S. protocols, play is suspended immediately if lightning is detected within an eight-mile (13-km) radius of a stadium and can only resume after 30 ‌minutes have passed without a further strike.

Any ​new lightning detection resets the countdown, meaning delays can ⁠stretch for several hours if thunderstorms persist.

FIFA ⁠has no fixed time limit after which a match ‌must be abandoned, with each situation assessed on a case-by-case ​basis.