Kylian Mbappe netted two goals to equal the second spot in all-time World Cup goals at 16, leading France to a 3-0 victory over Iraq and securing a spot in the knockout stage despite the tournament’s inaugural rain delay. Ousmane Dembele, the Ballon d’Or recipient, also found the net for Les Bleus, delighting the fans who endured the wet conditions in Philadelphia.
Mbappe’s goals in the 14th and 54th minutes came during his notable 100th international appearance, marking a memorable milestone on a rainy evening. Although he missed a chance for a hat trick on a late breakaway, Mbappe showcased his prowess before being substituted at the 90-minute mark.
The first goal by Mbappe gave France a 1-0 lead at halftime, where heavy rain and an impending thunderstorm caused a delay of over two hours, requiring the field crew to clear water off the sodden Kentucky bluegrass pitch.
This rare weather delay at the World Cup, caused by heavy rain and thunderstorms, was the first of its kind in the tournament’s history, with no midgame interruption due to inclement weather reported in decades. After approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, the threat passed, allowing the teams to resume warm-ups amidst the persistent rain.
Ahead of the scheduled match between Norway and Senegal in East Rutherford, New Jersey, heavy rain also fell, setting a challenging weather backdrop for the teams. With France leading 1-0 at halftime, the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field was directed to seek shelter in covered areas due to an incoming severe storm, while rain poured down during halftime, causing fans to seek refuge in the stadium concourse.
Initially expected to extend the 15-minute halftime break by another 15 minutes, the delay eventually led stadium officials to announce that the game would recommence once safety was assured. FIFA rules mandate a 30-minute pause if lightning is detected within an 8-mile radius, resetting the clock with each lightning strike.
Despite the downpour from the 37th minute onwards, France and Iraq persevered, with fans donning ponchos and remaining in their seats until directed to seek shelter at halftime. FIFA’s historical tendency to proceed with matches under extreme weather conditions was highlighted, recalling a 2014 game between the U.S. and Germany in Brazil, which continued amidst torrential downpours that flooded parts of the city.
The second half was set to resume at 7:50 p.m. ET, concluding the eventful match affected by the unprecedented weather delay.