Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterFrance vs Iraq at the 2026 World Cup kicked off at 9pm British time this evening, with Kylian Mbappe scoring the first half's only goal.The Real Madrid star received the ball on the edge of the area after a deft cut-back from Michael Olise, before rifling it into the top corner.Unfortunately for France, who could seal progression to the knockout stages of the World Cup this evening, the game has been repeatedly delayed due to thunderstorms but has an abandonment ever occurred before?Play our FREE World Cup match predictor and win �1kWhich World Cup games have been abandoned?In the build-up to international football's most prestigious tournament, there have been some bizarre abandonments.During the World Cup qualifying phase, the precursor to the tournament itself, the following matches were abandoned. You may like France vs Iraq plunged into weather chaos - what are the World Cup 2026 weather protocols? FIFA prepares weather disruption measures as forecasted storms threaten France vs Iraq clash Why is the second half of France vs Iraq delayed? Brazil vs Argentina (2021)Brazil vs Argentina was called off just five minutes into the game in 2021, due to the breaking of quarantine protocol.Brazilian health officials objected to the participation of three Argentina players who they believed broke said protocol.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Prior to the game, four England-based players for Argentina were told to quarantine by health authorities, however, they did not.The players in question were believed to be Emiliano Buendia, Emi Martinez, Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero.The latter three all started the match, meaning the fixture was abandoned after just five minutes. What to read next Why 2026 FIFA World Cup could be the hottest ever How to watch World Cup 2026: FREE live streams, groups, next matches World Cup 2026: Every team to have qualified Malaysia vs Saudi Arabia (2015)This World Cup qualifier, conversely, was abandoned extremely close to the full-time whistle.The match was called off in the 87th minute, with crowd trouble being the reason cited.The game was 0-0 through its first 70 minutes, before Malaysia opened the scoring.Saudi Arabia turned the match on its head with goals in the 73rd and 76th, prompting fans to throw fireworks and flares onto the pitch.As a result, the Group A Asian Qualifying match was abandoned, as both teams' players left the pitch and did not return.Poland vs England (2012)In the build-up to the 2014 World Cup, this qualifying match was called off after officials deemed the pitch unplayable.Bizarrely, the stadium's retractable roof had been left open through torrential downpour.This was the first time since 1979 that an England match had been called off, with the game occurring in Warsaw.Hilariously, the rain had already stopped at the time of kick-off, however, the damage to the pitch was inflicted in the hours prior.To add insult to injury, the travelling Three Lions faithful were asked to remain in their seats after the abandonment, so that the locals could leave first.Has a World Cup game ever been abandoned before?At the actual tournament, not during qualifiers, it appears that a game has never been abandoned before.As France and Iraq edge closer to being the first teams in history to suffer a World Cup abandonment, here are two close calls at the event.England vs Sweden (2018)In the build-up to England's quarter-final clash against Sweden in 2018, there were fears surrounding extreme weather.The venue for the event, Samara, was hit by a record-breaking heatwave in the days leading up to the quarter-final.The temperature, which exceeded 36 degrees, was the highest the city had experienced since 1954.The heat was so intense that water pressure in the region was said to be affected, with the water authority suggesting that people shower together.That statement turned out to be comedic, and misconstrued by the media, which the authority later clarified, ending all fears that the quarter-final could be affected by the heat.USA vs Germany (2014)Back to rain and torrential downpour; USA vs Germany at the 2014 World Cup was at risk of being abandoned due to wet weather.Downpour did not relent for 12 hours in the build-up to the event, with main roads being flooded.What fell in six hours in Recife that day represented 25% of the region's monthly average, according to a CNN meteorologist.As a result, USA vs Germany was at severe risk of being postponed or abandoned mid-game, with Ghana vs Portugal also likely to be affected in the event of such an occurrence.Despite this, the crucial game went ahead as planned, with Germany prevailing 1-0 and topping Group G at the tournament.France vs Iraq has footballing precedent in the states, as seen during Chelsea and Benfica's Club World Cup clash last summer.That match was delayed also due to lightning strikes, requiring the game to be halted for at least 30 minutes.Ultimately, the face-off ended nearly five hours after it was due to kick off, so, football fans across the globe shouldn't be surprised if further occurrences are seen of such delays at the 2026 World Cup.TOPICSFranceBrazilArgentinaSaudi ArabiaEnglandPolandSwedenUSAGermanyGhanaPortugalWorld Cup 2026World CupKedar BayleySocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterKedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC,he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television,you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.
