France-Iraq match resumes after two-hour delay

The FIFA World Cup Group I clash between France and Iraq resumed after a suspension of more than two hours caused by severe weather concerns and the threat of lightning near the stadium.

France held a 1-0 lead when play was halted late in the first half. Captain Kylian Mbappé had put the former world champions ahead in the 14th minute with a stunning long-range strike, continuing his impressive form in the tournament.

FIFA ordered the suspension as a precaution after lightning was detected in the vicinity of the venue. Spectators were instructed to move to safe areas while players and officials left the field.

Following an improvement in weather conditions, both teams returned to the pitch for warm-up sessions before the match restarted shortly after 6:00 am Bangladesh time. Due to the lengthy interruption, officials decided not to schedule an additional hydration break during the second half.

Meanwhile, the other Group I fixture also got underway, with Norway taking on Senegal in a match carrying significant knockout-stage implications. Norway entered the contest on the back of a convincing 4-1 victory over Iraq, while Senegal were looking to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat to France in their opening match.

With qualification for the knockout stage hanging in the balance, attention remains firmly fixed on both Group I encounters as the race for the last 32 intensifies.