A 17:00 kick‑off in Philadelphia stalled for more than two hours when lightning approached the stadium, forcing a halt that pushed the match to 20:47. France, already assured of a group‑stage spot, emerged from the stand‑still to win 3‑0 over Iraq, with Mbappé netting a brace on his 100th cap in the final minutes.

During the pause, players and staff stayed in the dressing room for nearly an hour and a half, keeping focus amid sirens and rain. Deschamps joked they played cards, while Mbappé described the wait as “emotionally and mentally draining.” The delay forced a 20‑minute warm‑up once the pitch was cleared for the players.

Iraq’s mistake after a goal‑kick gave France the opening goal, but the second came from a defensive lapse that some credit to the interruption. Arnold said the hour‑long break made concentration harder, yet he used the time to review footage and keep morale high. The win secures France a last‑32 spot for the World Cup campaign.

The incident underscores how local weather rules, governed by NOAA, can override FIFA’s schedule, leaving teams scrambling for recovery plans. Fans endured rain in ponchos, while broadcasters shifted to news channels during the pause. For France, the delayed victory proves resilience; for Iraq, the loss highlights the fine line between tactical execution and environmental disruption.