Kylian Mbappe scored a goal, and the France vs Iraq match was delayed due to lightning threat.

The 2026 World Cup Group I match covered by ANTARA between France and Iraq was halted at the first half interval, after severe weather conditions and lightning threats struck the vicinity of Philadelphia Stadium on Tuesday morning WIB. Prior to the suspension, France concluded the first half with a 1-0 lead over Iraq courtesy of a goal from Kylian Mbappe.

FIFA implemented Extreme Weather protocols to guarantee the safety of players, match officials, and all spectators inside the stadium.

Heavy rain had already drenched the stadium grounds before kickoff. Several sections of the pitch were visibly waterlogged, though the fixture was still able to proceed until the end of the first half.

Conditions deteriorated as players headed to the dressing rooms during the half-time break. Weather monitoring systems detected lightning strikes in the area surrounding the stadium, meaning the match could not resume as per the original schedule.

In accordance with official regulations applied in the United States, fixtures must be suspended immediately if lightning is registered within an 8 mile (approximately 13 kilometre) radius of the venue. This rule follows safety guidelines issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

"A severe thunderstorm is approaching the stadium perimeter," read the public warning displayed on the stadium big screens.

Match Progression

France dominated the flow of play and closed the first half holding a 1-0 advantage over Iraq. 
Les Bleus opened the scoring in the 14th minute through Kylian Mbappe. The 27-year old forward combined with Michael Olise before driving forward into the Iraqi penalty area.

Mbappe then released a shot into the top right corner of the goal, which Iraq Goalkeeper Ahmed Basil was unable to reach.

Iraq attempted to mount resistance, but struggled to generate clear dangerous chances. Ali Alhamadi's headed effort from Merchas Doski's delivery drifted wide of the target.

At the conclusion of the first half, France held the 1-0 lead and appeared on track to secure victory, before the Extreme Weather forced the temporary suspension of the fixture.

Match Lineups

France (4-2-3-1): Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappe

Iraq (4-2-3-1): Ahmed Basil; Merchas Doski, Akam Hashim, Zaid Tahseen, Hussein Ali; Zaid Ismael, Amir Al Ammari; Ahmed Qasem, Zidane Iqbal, Ibrahim Bayesh; Aymen Hussein