Mbappé scores twice as France beat Iraq 3

France defeated Iraq 3–0 in a match in Philadelphia that resumed after a long interruption caused by thunderstorms. The nearly four-hour contest saw France secure victory from Group I with a game in hand, booking their place in the knockout stage.

Kylian Mbappé marked his 100th appearance for France in memorable fashion, scoring twice and playing a decisive role in the win. His two goals took his World Cup tally to 16, equalling the record held by German legend Miroslav Klose.

France dominated from the start, taking control of the match early on. They registered 19 shots in total, compared to just four from Iraq.

Mbappé opened the scoring in the 14th minute, finishing a powerful left-footed strike from a Michael Olise assist. The goal was his 15th in World Cup history, drawing him level with Brazilian icon Ronaldo Nazário.

France led 1–0 at half-time, but play was then suspended for around 2 hours and 10 minutes due to thunderstorms. After conditions improved, both teams returned to the pitch.

Shortly after the restart, France doubled their lead. In the 54th minute, a defensive error from Iraq’s Zaid Tahseen was punished, with Ousmane Dembélé finishing the move after Mbappé applied the decisive touch to score his second of the match. That strike brought him level with Klose’s World Cup record of 16 goals.

France added a third in the 66th minute, as Dembélé converted from another assist by Michael Olise, curling a precise right-footed finish into the corner to seal a 3–0 win.

With four goals in two matches, Mbappé now sits joint second in the Golden Boot race alongside Norway’s Erling Haaland. France will face Norway on 26 June to decide the group winner.