France face Iraq in a crucial Group I clash at Philadelphia’s stadium, but severe thunderstorms could potentially force a postponement of kick-off. The French, fresh from a commanding 3-1 victory over Senegal, can secure their place in the last 32 with another win. Follow our live coverage.
Fans are taking shelter inside the stadium concourses
At least 30 minutes to wait
Under US safety regulations, the match cannot resume until 30 minutes have passed without lightning detected within 13 kilometres.
Stadium is being evacuated
Severe thunderstorms are set to hit Philadelphia
It’s half-time!
3 minutes of added time
👑 Mbappé in royal form tonight
Mbappé in full flow for France. Gliding past defenders, looking unstoppable at times, even if Iraq manage to deny him on the final touch.
It’s raining cats and dogs in Philly
Heavy rain is pouring down
France lose their footing
A sloppy pass from the French allows Iraq to regain possession. The visitors have a throw-in as France briefly lose control of the tempo.
Rain starts pouring over Philadelphia
First chance for Iraq
And it’s a corner. Nothing comes out of it.
Early substitution for Iraq
Hussein makes way for Al Hamadi
Time for a cooling break
No luck from Dembélé
Ballon d’Or holder Dembelé’s attempt to find a teammate on the wing is overhit. The ball goes out and Iraq clear their lines
France turning up the heat
Les Bleus are creating mayhem in Iraq’s penalty area. Numerous chances are being carved out as France pour forward with attacking intent!
GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL
What a strike from Kylian Mbappé! He rifles it straight into the top-left corner
Absolutely no chance for the Iraqi goalkeeper!
@Kyle Ross, Reuters
Mbappé off target
Mbappé unleashes a powerful strike from the edge of the box it goes past the right post.
Les Bleus arrive at World Cup 2026 as one of the tournament’s supreme favourites, seeking to win a third world title and cement their status among football’s elite nations. Didier Deschamps‘ side opened Group I with a dominant 3-1 victory over Senegal, demonstrating the attacking prowess that makes them genuine title contenders. Now facing Iraq in their second group match, a win would mathematically secure their passage to the last 32.
Iraq, meanwhile, are in desperate need of points after opening their Group I campaign with defeat. The Iraqis face an uphill battle against a France side already brimming with confidence and tournament experience. Yet in football, as today’s weather chaos in Philadelphia suggests, nothing is ever entirely predictable. An unexpected violent thunderstorm could delay kick-off at an undetermined time. Under US safety regulations, the match cannot resume until 30 minutes have passed without lightning detected within 13 kilometres.
