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Mbappé Scores Twice as France Dominates Iraq 3-0, Secures Knockout Berth
Kylian Mbappé scored twice to reach 16 career World Cup goals, tying Miroslav Klose for second all-time, as France defeated Iraq 3-0 in Philadelphia. The victory advanced France to the knockout stage, despite a weather delay of over two hours. Lionel Messi earlier set a new record of 18 goals for Argentina.

Quick Facts
Who
Kylian Mbappé
What
France defeated Iraq 3-0 in a World Cup group match
When
Monday, June 22, 2026
Where
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- France defeated Iraq 3-0 in a World Cup group match
- Mbappé scored two goals to tie for second in career World Cup goals
- The match was delayed over two hours due to a thunderstorm
- France advanced to the knockout stage
- Dembélé also scored for France
Kylian Mbappé scored twice to move into a tie for second on the all-time World Cup goals list, leading France to a 3-0 victory over Iraq on Monday and securing a place in the knockout stage. The match, played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, was interrupted by a severe thunderstorm that caused a delay of over two hours at halftime.
Mbappé opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a left-footed strike from about 20 yards, giving France a 1-0 lead. The match was then halted at halftime as heavy rain and lightning swept through the area, prompting tournament officials to direct spectators to covered areas. Play resumed after more than two hours, following strict safety protocols that mandate a stoppage if lightning is detected within 13 kilometers of the stadium.
Shortly after the resumption, Mbappé scored his second goal in the 54th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Iraq. Defender Zaid Tahseen played a poor pass toward goalkeeper Ahmed Basil, which Ousmane Dembélé intercepted and laid off to Mbappé, who tapped the ball in with his right foot. Dembélé added a third goal in the 66th minute, putting the result beyond doubt.
Mbappé’s brace brought his career World Cup total to 16 goals, tying him with Germany’s Miroslav Klose for second place. The record now belongs to Lionel Messi, who earlier on Monday scored twice for Argentina to reach 18 goals. Mbappé, who now has 59 international goals, is France’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Olivier Giroud.
The victory marked France’s second win in two group matches, guaranteeing progression to the round of 16. The team will face Norway in their final group-stage game on June 26, while Iraq will take on Senegal. Both matches are scheduled for 7:00 p.m. GMT.
Why This Matters
France's dominant win, fueled by Mbappé's record-tying performance, secures their spot in the knockout stage early, relieving pressure for their remaining group match. For fantasy players and bettors, Mbappé's form and France's momentum make them a top pick. The weather delay also highlights the impact of outdoor conditions on scheduling and player performance, relevant for logistics planning in major tournaments.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 22, 2026
WireMbappé scores first goal in the 14th minute to give France a 1-0 lead
Jun 22, 2026
WireHalftime; match delayed over two hours due to severe thunderstorm and lightning
Jun 22, 2026
WirePlay resumes after the weather delay
Jun 22, 2026
WireMbappé scores second goal in the 54th minute
Jun 22, 2026
WireDembélé scores in the 66th minute to make it 3-0
Jun 22, 2026
WireMbappé subbed out at the 90-minute mark
Jun 26, 2026
WireFrance to face Norway in final group-stage match
Entities
Sources
- World Cup Kylian Mbappe Goals France 25ad24ae8ea2c502b7053144735457d9apWireJun 22, 2026
- World Cup Iraq France Score Weather Rain Delay Mbappe 12762cd2ac97ceb53d2b2f541922cf00apWireJun 23, 2026
- Coupe du monde : Mbappé et la France s'imposent 3-0 face à l'IrakNoovo InfoMediaJun 23, 2026
- French national football team defeats Iraq, advances to World Cup knockout stagetassMediaJun 23, 2026
- Flash: France advances to knockout stage after 3-0 victory over Iraq at FIFA World CupxinhuaMediaJun 23, 2026