The Iraq national football team faces France in the FIFA World Cup 2026, a crucial match in the group stage, potentially disrupted by thunderstorms in Philadelphia. It was expected that thunderstorms would occur in Philadelphia, as reported by the French newspaper L'Equipe. The US weather forecast predicts high temperatures, reaching around 33 degrees Celsius, accompanied by periods of rain and potentially thunderstorms. Due to a very strict protocol applied in the event of thunderstorms near the stadiums, the match may be suspended. During the FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States in the summer of 2025, the round of 16 match between Chelsea and Benfica lasted for 4 hours and 38 minutes, after a stoppage of about two hours due to a thunderstorm. The Iraqi team hopes to achieve a positive result in this match, after losing the first match. The French are considered favorites in this match, but the Iraqis believe they have a chance to win.