World Cup 2026: Mbappé stars as France breeze past Iraq despite weather chaos
Key takeaways
- France defeated Iraq 3-0 in Philadelphia to mathematically secure their passage to the knockout stages.
- Issued on: 23/06/2026 - 03:02Modified: 23/06/2026 - 03:23
- Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé also scored for Les Bleus, giving fans who stuck out a rainy night in Philadelphia a reason to cut loose.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
France defeated Iraq 3-0 in Philadelphia to mathematically secure their passage to the knockout stages. Kylian Mbappé scored twice and Ousmane Dembélé added a third, but the match was overshadowed by severe thunderstorms that forced a two hour and 12 minute delay, evacuation of spectators, and a complete washout of the pitch.
Issued on: 23/06/2026 - 03:02Modified: 23/06/2026 - 03:23
By: FRANCE 24 France coach Didier Deschamps embraces Kylian Mbappe as he leaves the pitch after being substituted © Siphiwe Sibeko, Reuters Kylian Mbappé scored twice to move into a tie for second in career World Cup goals with 16, and France played through the tournament's first rain delay to beat Iraq 3–0 on Monday and advance to the knockout stage.