Mbappé double propels France into knockout stages after weather delay

PHILADELPHIA: Kylian Mbappé marked his 100th appearance for France with a brace as the defending champions advanced to the last 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 3-0 win over Iraq on Monday.

The match, the opening fixture of Group I, was interrupted for nearly two hours due to thunderstorms in the Philadelphia region, forcing a long delay before the second half. Despite the disruption, France remained in control and secured qualification with a comfortable victory.

Mbappe shines on milestone night

Mbappe opened the scoring in the first half and added his second goal nearly three hours later after the weather stoppage, completing his second brace of the tournament.

Ousmane Dembele was also on target, netting France’s third goal and providing the assist for Mbappe’s second strike after the restart.

The French side looked sharp throughout, controlling possession and creating numerous chances against a resilient but outmatched Iraqi outfit. The victory ensures France advance to the knockout rounds, while Iraq face an uphill task to progress, likely needing a win against Senegal coupled with favourable results elsewhere. The stoppage tested the patience of players, officials and fans alike, but once play resumed, France wasted little time in putting the game beyond doubt. Mbappe’s clinical finishing once again underlined his status as one of the world’s finest talents.