Mbappé Equals World Cup Record as France Defeats Iraq Amid Storm Delays

Kylian Mbappé celebrated his 100th cap for France by scoring twice in a 3-0 victory over Iraq in a World Cup Group I match that was suspended for nearly two hours due to a severe thunderstorm in Philadelphia. The brace moved Mbappé past Brazil legend Ronaldo (15 goals) and level with Germany's Miroslav Klose, both now on 16 career World Cup goals, while Lionel Messi holds the all-time record with 18 goals after also scoring twice earlier Monday.

Mbappé opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box after collecting a pass from Michael Olise. The match was then interrupted shortly before halftime as thunder and lightning forced players to evacuate the field, with FIFA regulations requiring a 30-minute pause if lightning is detected within eight miles. The delay ultimately lasted over two hours, during which France coach Didier Deschamps said the team played cards and waited for updated time slots.

After the restart, Iraq conceded again when a poor goal kick went straight to Ousmane Dembélé, who set up Mbappé for a simple tap-in in the 54th minute. Dembélé later scored his first World Cup goal in the 66th minute after Olise played him through, capitalizing on Iraq surrendering possession in their own half. Mbappé missed a chance for a hat-trick late in the game, blasting over the bar.

Mbappé downplayed comparisons with Messi, stating, "There is no saga [with Messi]. Leo has also scored, he scores and he will always score. I don't watch what he does, otherwise I will have to do more. I only look at my team." France coach Didier Deschamps praised Mbappé's performance and longevity, noting, "Records are made to be beaten. He has reached 100 caps, goals he will keep scoring many."

With the win, France became the fifth team to advance to the next stage. They will face Norway in a highly anticipated third-round match, while Iraq takes on Senegal.