local
World Cup sees first weather delay, with France-Iraq game in Philadelphia paused for 2 hours
By Collin Binkley, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 22, 2026
· 3 min read
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 Cup match was delayed...
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 Pearland
The World Cup's first weather delay has local implications for Pearland residents who may be planning to attend outdoor events in the Houston area. As the region is known for its unpredictable weather, particularly during the summer months, the delay serves as a precautionary measure that could be applied to local events. The fact that FIFA paused the game due to severe weather conditions may set a precedent for other organizations to prioritize spectator safety. This could impact the way local event organizers in Pearland and surrounding areas prepare for and respond to inclement weather, potentially leading to more frequent delays or cancellations. As Pearland residents look forward to attending outdoor events, they should be aware of the potential for weather-related disruptions and plan accordingly. The city's own event organizers may take note of the World Cup's weather delay protocol to ensure a safe experience for attendees.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? 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 Cup match was delayed...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Collin Binkley, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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