"We have faced quite a challenge this evening," shouted the stadium announcer amid a weather delay exceeding two hours during the France versus Iraq match.

The evening proved tough for players, coaches and the full crowd of 68,344 inside Philadelphia Stadium.

A contest that began at 17:00 local time concluded at 20:47 owing to safety issues from bad weather.

Storm clouds gathered as Canadian referee Drew Fischer signaled half-time at 17:49, with France ahead 1-0.

Heavy rain followed along with thunderstorm risks nearby.

Play resumed only at 20:00 once conditions improved.

France quickly added two more goals for a 3-0 victory, as captain Kylian Mbappe netted twice on his 100th cap to help Les Bleus advance to the last 32.

No hydration break occurred in the second half and just two minutes of stoppage time were added.

"It proved a lengthy night," Mbappe noted.

"We waited extensively. The wait drains you emotionally and mentally since full concentration was required in the dressing room.

"Remaining focused in the dressing room for nearly two hours is tough. It takes real effort from players and staff alike."

So how did they pass the time?

"We played cards," France manager Didier Deschamps quipped.

"Actually we simply waited as updates kept shifting later.

"I enjoyed time with the players and kept things light.

"Safety comes first. You cannot battle rain and lightning.

"It does not bother me. These situations are rare and I hope they stay that way. Taking no risks mattered most."

This marked the 42nd match at the World Cup and the first halted by weather.

Fifa follows local guidance on bad weather rather than setting its own rules.

In the United States that means following National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration advice.

The NOAA requires a stop if lightning strikes within eight miles of the venue.

Local TV outlets had discussed the forecast and its possible impact for two days.

Sunshine greeted Philadelphia before kick-off yet heavy showers and thunder arrived after half-time.

The skies worsened during the break and fans were directed to concourse areas for shelter.

Most supporters remained despite the long wait and the stands looked full again at the restart.

Players returned for warm-ups after about one hour and 40 minutes but further delay came as staff cleared water from the pitch with squeegees.

Once action restarted Iraq gifted France and Mbappe a second goal via a goal-kick error.

Iraq coach Graham Arnold felt the long pause may have played a role in that lapse.

"I told the players before returning that mental sharpness would decide things. The error proved costly," he said.

"The two-hour stop made things harder for everyone. It was a first for me as a coach or player."

Arnold used the time to review first-half footage with his squad.

"It focused on rest and preparation to return ready. The whole episode felt unique."

Fans received orders to shelter during the pause.

Regular announcements kept them updated.

The all-clear message drew one of the loudest cheers of the evening.

The atmosphere shifted and fans in ponchos danced in the stands.

"It felt like starting a fresh match after the break," France defender Jules Kounde said.

"We did some cycling to stay loose then chatted while waiting to warm up again.

"Everyone wanted to finish the game and we checked the pitch for flooded spots."

Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin, covering the game for BBC Radio 5 Live, noted the break favored France.

"The main impact may be on planned routines for coming days so rehydration and meals need adjustment," he said of the effects.

"Interestingly the pause seemed to help the French side as they returned and controlled the remainder of the contest."

The delay also altered BBC One broadcast plans. After first-half analysis coverage moved to the BBC News channel at 23:51 BST and the studio team stood down.

Live coverage returned on BBC One at 00:48 BST with commentator Steve Wilson and co-commentator Stephen Warnock describing events until the 01:00 BST restart.

Former West Ham assistant coach Edu Rubio shared details on handling weather delays.

Now at Sporting Kansas City he recalled West Ham pre-season games in Florida two years ago.

"Two of our four friendlies faced storm delays," he told BBC Sport.

"Rules are strict here and for good reason.

"Teams handle things differently.

"We followed protocols and returned to the changing room with updates every 20 minutes.

"For the first 20 minutes players relaxed and switched into warm-up gear.

"They did light cycling and stretching while some chose yoga. For the next 20 minutes of the 45-minute delay we played football-tennis to keep minds off the weather.

"We reviewed short clips to refresh players. These pauses can be awkward yet we kept plans simple.

"Yoga, music and rest helped. Beyond 45 minutes I am unsure what the approach would be."