local
World Cup sees first weather delay, with France-Iraq game in Philadelphia paused for 2 hours
By Associated Press, COLLIN BINKLEY at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· June 23, 2026
· 3 min read
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Heavy rain and thunderstorms prompted a rare World Cup weather delay on Monday, when the halftime break during a match between France and Iraq lasted 2 hours, 10 minutes.It was the first rain delay of the tournament and the first time in at least several decades that a World C...
Key takeaway France played through the rain and muck to beat Iraq 3-0 behind two goals from Kylian Mbappé.
Why this matters in The Midland
The severe weather that delayed the France-Iraq World Cup match in Philadelphia is a reminder that West Texas sports fans are not immune to similar disruptions. While the Permian Basin is known for its sunny skies, intense thunderstorms can roll in quickly, bringing heavy rain and lightning. Local sports venues, such as those in Midland , should take note of the FIFA rule that requires games to be paused and seating areas evacuated for 30 minutes if lightning is detected within 8 miles. This protocol could be applied to local events, ensuring the safety of spectators. As the summer storm season approaches, Midland residents can expect similar weather patterns, making it crucial for event organizers to have a plan in place for severe weather conditions. By learning from the experiences of larger events like the World Cup, Midland can improve its own emergency response and fan safety measures.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Heavy rain and thunderstorms prompted a rare World Cup weather delay on Monday, when the halftime break during a match between France and Iraq lasted 2 hours, 10 minutes.It was the first rain delay of the tournament and the first time in at least several decades that a World C...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press, COLLIN BINKLEY at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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