Mbappe double sends France through after weather-hit win over Iraq

France secured their place in the World Cup last 32 with a game to spare after Kylian Mbappe scored twice in a 3-0 win over Iraq in Philadelphia. The match was delayed for two hours by severe weather, but Didier Deschamps’ side handled the disruption and took control with minimal fuss.

Mbappe was once again the standout figure. He opened the scoring midway through the first half with a fierce strike from 22 yards, then added another soon after the restart after Iraq made a costly error trying to play out from the back. That took him to four goals in the tournament and moved him to 16 World Cup goals overall, just two behind Lionel Messi in the all-time scoring chart.

France’s third goal came from Ousmane Dembele, who finally ended his wait for a major international tournament goal. The winger had gone 20 appearances across World Cups and European Championships without scoring, but he finished neatly after being set up by Michael Olise.

France had looked sharp from the outset, with their movement between the lines causing Iraq problems throughout. Their lead was well deserved before the weather intervened. The game was then stopped at half-time because of lightning concerns, creating the first weather-related delay of the tournament.

What should have been a routine break turned into a lengthy wait, with players and supporters forced to remain under cover as storms moved through the area. When play restarted two hours later, France wasted no time reasserting control and closing out the result.

The win means France can approach their final group game against Norway in confident mood, with top spot in the table still in sight. For Mbappe, it was another reminder of his status as the most feared forward in world football.