France vs Iraq delayed after first half due to thunderstorm warning

The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage match between France and Iraq has been delayed after the first half because of a weather warning.

After the opening 45 minutes, France lead 1-0. The only goal of the first half was scored by Kylian Mbappe, who netted his 15th World Cup goal. The forward is also making his 100th appearance for the France national team.

France dominated the opening 20 minutes of the match. The European side controlled the game and quickly put Iraq under pressure. Mbappe’s goal was a logical result of that early spell, but Iraq managed to slow the tempo and limit France’s attacking threat afterward.

Iraq also suffered another setback when captain Aymen Hussein was forced off due to injury. Toward the end of the first half, the weather conditions worsened as heavy rain started to fall and the risk of a thunderstorm increased.

Because of the thunderstorm warning, the start of the second half was delayed by an additional 15 minutes. France remain in control of the match, but their lead is still narrow, while Iraq will hope to find a way back into the game once play resumes.