World Cup, France v Iraq halted by storm alert, players expected to warm up at 1.20am French time | OneFootball

The World Cup match between France and Iraq in Philadelphia was halted at half-time following a storm alert. France led 1-0 through Kylian Mbappé.

The forecast proved accurate, with a second alert issued three hours after the first during Monday night’s interval. According to L'Équipe, supporters were told to leave the stands and FIFA confirmed a minimum stoppage of 30 minutes.

Warm-ups should resume at around 1.20am French time, with the game expected to restart about 20 minutes later, close to 1.40am.

Heavy rain hit the pitch and stands late in the first period, and thunder continued through the break. Spectators took shelter in the concourses.

The crowd were allowed back to their seats at roughly 12.25am French time. Didier Deschamps said they were dependent on events, had stopped providing updates because things were changing every 30 seconds, and that they were waiting.

Source: L'Équipe