France beats Iraq 3-0 after two‑hour lightning pause at World Cup 2026

In the Group I match of the 2026 World Cup in Philadelphia, a severe thunderstorm forced officials to suspend play for nearly two hours. During the delay the French squad, led by Didier Deschamps, passed the time playing cards and resting. When the game resumed, Les Bleus quickly re‑established control, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice and Ousmane Dembélé adding a third goal to secure a 3‑0 victory over Iraq.

The win gave France six points from two matches, guaranteeing a place in the knockout stage. Deschamps noted the unusual pause did not affect the team’s focus, and the interruption marked the first major weather‑related stoppage in World Cup history.

France entered the contest as clear favorites, reflected in pre‑match odds that favored a comfortable win. The result highlighted the depth of the French attacking line‑up and reinforced their status as early tournament leaders.