Kylian Mbappé continued his sensational FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign by scoring another brace as France secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Iraq and booked their place in the Round of 32.
The French superstar delivered a match-winning performance in his 100th international appearance, helping France maintain their perfect start to the tournament. However, the game will also be remembered for a lengthy weather interruption that delayed the second half by nearly two hours.
Mbappé Continues His Record-Chasing Form
France dominated possession from the opening whistle and quickly asserted control over the contest.
Mbappé opened the scoring in the 14th minute after receiving a pass from Michael Olise. The forward shifted the ball onto his left foot and unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box that left Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil with no chance.
Key Highlights
• Kylian Mbappé scored twice in his 100th appearance for France.
• France defeated Iraq 3-0 to qualify for the Round of 32.
• Ousmane Dembélé added France’s third goal.
• The match experienced a weather delay of almost two hours.
Thunderstorms Cause Major Disruption
The first half ended with France holding a narrow lead, but severe thunderstorms in the area forced players and spectators to leave the pitch and seek shelter.
Heavy rain created difficult playing conditions, resulting in an extended delay before the teams could return. Stadium staff worked extensively to remove standing water from the surface before play resumed.
Despite the interruption, France quickly regained control once the match restarted.
France Punish Iraq’s Costly Errors
Iraq hoped the delay would help them regroup, but their problems only increased after the restart.
A poor goal-kick error in the 54th minute gifted France a golden opportunity, and Mbappé made no mistake, finishing from close range after excellent work by Ousmane Dembélé.
Just 12 minutes later, Dembélé got on the scoresheet himself. Michael Olise provided another intelligent assist, allowing the Ballon d’Or winner to finish calmly and put the result beyond doubt.
Match Turning Points
• Mbappé’s stunning long-range opener set the tone.
• Iraq’s defensive mistake led to France’s second goal.
• Dembélé capped off an impressive attacking display with a goal.
• France controlled the match from start to finish.
Mbappé Climbs the World Cup Scoring Charts
The two goals took Mbappé’s overall World Cup tally to 16, drawing him level with former record-holder Miroslav Klose.
Earlier in the day, Lionel Messi raised the all-time World Cup goals record to 18 after scoring twice in Argentina’s victory over Austria.
Mbappé’s four goals in the tournament also leave him just one behind Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
France Set Up Group Decider Against Norway
The victory means France now have six points from two matches and have officially secured a place in the knockout stage.
Norway’s 3-2 victory over Senegal later in the day means both France and Norway enter their final Group I clash with perfect records.
Group I Situation
• France: 6 points
• Norway: 6 points
• Iraq remain mathematically alive for a third-place qualification spot.
• Senegal need a positive result in their final match to stay in contention.
France currently hold the advantage thanks to a superior goal difference and will need only a draw against Norway to finish top of the group.
Deschamps Backs Dembélé
Following criticism after France’s opening victory against Senegal, Ousmane Dembélé responded with an impressive display that included a goal and an assist.
France manager Didier Deschamps praised his star forward after the match.
“There is no issue. Ousmane is confident in himself. He can sometimes get people talking, but I have complete faith in him.”
Match Summary
• Result: France 3-0 Iraq
• Goalscorers: Kylian Mbappé (14′, 54′), Ousmane Dembélé (66′)
• Venue: FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I
• Major Event: Nearly two-hour weather delay
• Achievement: Mbappé reaches 16 World Cup goals