local
World Cup sees first weather delay, with France-Iraq game in Philadelphia paused for 2 hours
By Associated Press, COLLIN BINKLEY at KGNS — Sitewide
· 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 Laredo News
The World Cup's first weather delay, which occurred during the France-Iraq match in Philadelphia, may have local implications for outdoor events in Laredo . As the city hosts various community events and sports games, the decision to pause the match due to heavy rain and thunderstorms could set a precedent for similar situations in Webb County. Local event organizers and stadium officials may take note of FIFA's rule to pause games for 30 minutes if lightning is detected within 8 miles, and consider implementing similar safety protocols. This could impact the way outdoor events are managed in Laredo, particularly during the summer months when thunderstorms are more common. As the city continues to grow and host more events, it will be important to prioritize spectator safety and have plans in place for inclement weather.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News 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 KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
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 KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press, COLLIN BINKLEY at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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