World Cup sees first weather delay as fans cleared from seats at France-Iraq match in Philadelphia (opens original article in a new tab)

A World Cup match between France and Iraq was delayed for nearly two hours due to heavy rain and thunderstorms, marking the first weather delay in the tournament's history.

• Heavy rain and thunderstorms caused a nearly two-hour delay at halftime of the France-Iraq World Cup match in Philadelphia
• Fans were directed to shelter in covered areas as severe storms approached during the match
• FIFA's rule pauses games for 30 minutes if lightning is detected within 8 miles, resetting the clock with each strike