The Iraq national football team suffered a loss against France in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The match, which was held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, USA, was suspended temporarily due to the risk of thunderstorms.

What happened?

The game was stopped after heavy rain and a thunderstorm approached the stadium, prompting the referee to suspend the match and send the players to the locker rooms until the weather improved.

Why does this matter for the Iraq national football team?

The protocols for dealing with weather conditions in the United States differ from those adopted by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Any match is suspended as soon as a lightning strike is detected within a radius of approximately 13 kilometers from the stadium.

What's next?

The Iraq national football team will face Senegal in their next match on June 26, 2026. This match will be crucial for the Iraq national football team in their attempt to win the FIFA World Cup 2026. | Match | Date | Result | | --- | --- | --- | | France vs Iraq | 2026-06-22 | 3-0 in favor of France | | Iraq vs Senegal | 2026-06-26 | -