World Cup 2026: Mbappé Brace Inspires France To Dominant Victory Over Iraq
3 min read
By Sedara Philip
Kylian Mbappé delivered another world-class performance on Monday as France cruised to a commanding 3-0 victory over Iraq in their second Group I match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Real Madrid superstar scored twice and continued his remarkable goalscoring record on football’s biggest stage, helping Les Bleus maintain their perfect start to the tournament and strengthen their grip on top spot in the group.
Played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, the encounter was disrupted by severe weather conditions, with thunderstorms causing a lengthy delay. However, once play resumed, France showcased their superior quality to secure all three points and move a step closer to the knockout stages.
Having started slowly in their opening victory against Senegal, France once again took time to settle into the contest. Iraq defended resolutely in the early stages and frustrated the pre-match favourites with their disciplined shape and commitment.
Nevertheless, it took a moment of brilliance from Mbappé to break the deadlock in the 14th minute.
Receiving a pass from Michael Olise on the right flank, the French captain cut inside onto his preferred left foot before unleashing a powerful strike that flew beyond the reach of goalkeeper Ahmed Basil and into the net.
The goal immediately lifted the tempo of the French attack, but Iraq continued to defend courageously and limited clear-cut opportunities for the remainder of the first half.
As halftime approached, heavy rain swept across the stadium before lightning forced officials to suspend the match. The delay lasted more than an hour, creating an unusual interruption in proceedings.
When play eventually resumed, France looked sharper and more focused, while Iraq appeared unsettled by the lengthy break.
A costly defensive mistake gifted France their second goal in the 54th minute. A routine goal kick turned disastrous when a miscommunication between Ahmed Basil and defender Zaid Tahseen left possession loose inside the penalty area.
Basil’s desperate attempt to recover the situation only directed the ball toward Ousmane Dembélé. Rather than shooting himself, the winger showed excellent awareness by squaring the ball for Mbappé, who calmly tapped into an empty net for his second goal of the evening.
The strike took Mbappé’s World Cup tally to 16 goals, drawing him level with German legend Miroslav Klose in second place on the tournament’s all-time scoring chart and leaving him just two goals behind Argentina captain Lionel Messi.
France continued to dominate possession and were rewarded with a third goal in the 66th minute.
Michael Olise, influential throughout the contest, drifted into a central position before finding Dembélé with a perfectly weighted pass. The reigning Ballon d’Or winner controlled brilliantly before firing a clinical finish beyond Basil to cap another impressive attacking move from Les Bleus.
With a three-goal advantage, France comfortably managed the remainder of the contest and never looked threatened by an Iraqi side that struggled to create meaningful opportunities.
The victory leaves Didier Deschamps’ men firmly on course to finish as Group I winners and continue their pursuit of a third World Cup title.
France will now prepare for a decisive clash against Norway on June 26, a match that could determine who tops the group heading into the knockout rounds.
For Iraq, the defeat leaves their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread. They must now defeat Senegal in their final group-stage fixture and hope other results go their way if they are to keep their dream of reaching the Round of 32 alive.
While France once again displayed their depth and quality, the night belonged to Kylian Mbappé. With three goals already in the tournament and history firmly within his sights, the French superstar continues to strengthen his case as one of the greatest World Cup performers of his generation.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
