It was towards the end of the first half that rain began to pour down on the field at Philadelphia Stadium in Pennsylvania. At halftime, thunderstorm warnings came and spectators in the stands - the majority wearing rain ponchos - were urged to take shelter indoors.
Shortly afterwards, the decision to suspend the match was made. FIFA and US authorities decided ahead of the World Cup that matches will be stopped for at least half an hour if lightning is detected within a 13-kilometer radius of the stadium.
Before the match was temporarily suspended, France's star and captain, Kylian Mbappé, scored the opening goal in the 14th minute.
After more than two hours, the match resumed and just ten minutes into the second half Mbappé scored again to make it 2-0. Shortly afterwards, France extended their lead, this time through Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, who scored the final goal of the match.
Playoff-ready France will face Norway in the next match. Despite the loss last night, Iraq still has a chance to reach the round of 16, but then must win their next match against Senegal.
