Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France eased past Iraq to secure another victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
France defeated Iraq 3-0 in Philadelphia, with Mbappe scoring in each half to move level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals. The French captain now sits just two goals behind Lionel Messi, who became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer earlier in the day.
Mbappe opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box. The match was later disrupted by severe weather, with the second half delayed by more than two hours due to lightning in the area.
After play resumed, Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil gifted France a second goal when he failed to control a short goal-kick, allowing Ousmane Dembele to set up Mbappe for a simple finish. Dembele later added a third goal with a low effort into the corner after a brilliant assist from Michael Olise.
The result leaves France top of Group I with six points from two matches as they continue their pursuit of a third consecutive World Cup final appearance. Iraq remain bottom of the group without a point.
Mbappe’s latest brace strengthens France’s title challenge and moves him closer to becoming one of the greatest goalscorers in World Cup history.
