Adverse weather conditions in Philadelphia forced a lengthy interruption of the World Cup match between France and Iraq on Monday.
The match was suspended at half-time and the second half kicked off with a delay of more than two hours.
“Mentally, it was very exhausting because we had to stay concentrated and focused. Spending two hours in the locker room takes a lot of energy,” said French star Kylian Mbappé, who scored two goals in the 3-0 win.
A 30-minute break was initially announced by FIFA because of the risk of lightning in the vicinity of the stadium. However, the weather conditions didn’t improve immediately and the break had to be extended.
“FIFA will follow the safety protocols established by the local authorities, and the match will resume as soon as it is safe to do so,” the football governing body said in its live blog.
TV footage showed the empty stands as fans took shelter from the rain during the match suspension.
France coach Didier Deschamps shared with reporters what the team did to pass the time.
“We played cards. We joked around. It’s a matter of safety. There’s nothing you can do about rain and thunderstorms. It doesn’t bother me. These are special circumstances. I hope it doesn’t happen again,” he said.
Iraq coach Graham Arnold, meanwhile, used the time for some video analysis.
“The players had to stay relaxed and then get ready when play resumed. That was a unique experience. It’s the first time something like that has happened to me in football. A two-hour delay makes it even harder for the players,” he said.
There were fears the start of the game would be delayed or that the match would have to be cancelled as heavy rain set in some three hours before the 5pm (2100 GMT) kick-off and thunder claps were also heard.
“Due to inclement weather in the region, gates opening will be delayed,” Lincoln Financial Field said on X, advising fans “do not travel to Philadelphia Stadium at this time.”
But just over half an hour later an update said that “gates are now open.”
The safety procedures related to weather conditions had so far not been needed at the tournament but encountered during last year’s Club World Cup and World Cup tune-up games.
Based on weather service recommendations on outdoor activities, matches are delayed or stopped for 30 minutes if lightning strikes within 13 kilometres of a stadium. Every further lightning strike sets off the 30 minute rule again.
Players are to leave the pitch and spectators are led to safer areas. Matches are continued in the minute they are stopped when play is possible again.
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