PHILADELPHIA: The FIFA World Cup 2026 witnessed its first major weather-related disruption as the Group I clash between France and Iraq was suspended for more than two hours due to severe thunderstorms and lightning, eventually becoming the longest match in World Cup history.
The game at Lincoln Financial Field was halted at half-time with France leading 1-0. The half-time whistle was blown at 5.49 pm local time, but adverse weather conditions prevented the match from resuming as scheduled.
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Organisers activated safety protocols after thunderstorms, heavy rain, strong winds and the threat of lightning struck the area. Players, officials and thousands of fans were instructed to take shelter while authorities monitored the situation.
What was meant to be a standard 15-minute interval turned into a lengthy suspension, with play finally resuming at 8.00 pm local time. The interruption lasted 131 minutes, stretching the overall duration of the match to nearly four hours and setting a new record for the longest World Cup game ever played.
When action resumed, France maintained control of the contest and secured a convincing 3-0 victory. Star forward Kylian Mbappé netted a brace, while Ousmane Dembélé added the third goal to seal the win.
The unprecedented delay has highlighted concerns surrounding weather-related disruptions during the tournament, particularly in venues susceptible to summer storms across the United States.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
