France secures an early place in the Round of 32 after a weather-delayed victory in Philadelphia. Kylian Mbappé scores twice to reach 16 career World Cup goals, matching Miroslav Klose in the all-time rankings.
France became one of the first teams to book a place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Iraq 3-0 in Philadelphia after a bizarre night interrupted by thunderstorms, lightning and a two-hour-and-12-minute suspension.
The match lasted nearly four hours from kickoff to final whistle, but Didier Deschamps’ side never lost control of proceedings, eventually overwhelming an Iraqi team that defended bravely before collapsing after the lengthy weather delay.
Once again, the spotlight belonged to Kylian Mbappé.
Only hours after Lionel Messi had scored twice against Austria to move further ahead in the all-time World Cup scoring charts, Mbappé answered with a brace of his own, reaching 16 World Cup goals and drawing level with Miroslav Klose. The French superstar now trails only Messi among active players in the race to become the tournament’s most prolific scorer.
France took the lead after just fourteen minutes. Mbappé received possession in the inside-right channel, took aim from outside the area and unleashed a trademark left-footed strike that curled beyond goalkeeper Jalal Hassan’s replacement Basil and into the far corner.
Deschamps rotated his squad following the opening victory, handing starts to Lucas Digne, Manu Koné and Bradley Barcola, while maintaining his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. Ousmane Dembélé operated on the right wing, Michael Olise drifted centrally, and France spent most of the opening half camped around Iraq’s penalty area.
The Iraqis remained organized and disciplined, defending with a compact shape and looking to counterattack through Ali Jasim, Bayesh and substitute Alhamadi. Their resistance, however, was interrupted by severe weather.
At halftime, dark clouds rolled over Philadelphia and stadium officials ordered supporters to leave the stands as lightning strikes approached the venue. Play resumed only after a delay of one hour and fifty-seven minutes.
The long interruption appeared to affect Iraq far more than France.
Just nine minutes after the restart, defender Tahseen gifted possession away near his own goal. Dembélé reacted quickly, stole the ball and squared it for Mbappé, who calmly finished for his second goal of the evening.
France continued to push forward and added a third goal moments later. Dembélé, who had been heavily criticized following the opening match, finally found the net himself with a powerful finish from the right side of the penalty area.
Mbappé chased a hat trick and Olise struck the crossbar, but France had already done enough to secure qualification after only two matches.
Iraq remains without points and now faces elimination heading into the final matchday.
Match Report
France 3-0 Iraq
France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Konaté, Saliba, Digne; Koné, Camavinga; Dembélé, Olise, Barcola; Mbappé.
Coach: Didier Deschamps.
Iraq (4-3-3): Basil; Tahseen, Al-Taee, Youssef, Adnan; Bayesh, Rasheed, Qasem; Jasim, Aymen Hussein (32′ Alhamadi), Hussein Ali.
Coach: Jesús Casas.
Referee: Not announced.
Goals: 14′ Mbappé, 54′ Mbappé, 62′ Dembélé.
Bookings: None reported.
Red Cards: None.
Weather Delay: Match suspended for 2 hours and 12 minutes between the first and second halves due to lightning and severe thunderstorms.
Venue: Philadelphia.
