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Jun 23, 2026 Major2
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Mbappé Equals World Cup Record as France Defeats Iraq Amid Storm Delays
Kylian Mbappé scored twice on his 100th France appearance, equalling Miroslav Klose's World Cup goal record at 16, as France beat Iraq 3-0 in a match delayed over two hours by a thunderstorm. The win secured France's place in the next stage of the tournament.
Quick Facts
Who
Kylian Mbappé
What
Mbappé scored twice on his 100th cap
When
Monday
Where
Philadelphia
- Mbappé scored twice on his 100th cap
- France defeated Iraq 3-0 in World Cup Group I
- Match suspended nearly two hours due to thunderstorm
- Mbappé equalled Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals
- Dembele scored his first World Cup goal
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."
Why This Matters
This result marks another milestone for Kylian Mbappé, who at 25 already equals a World Cup goal record, highlighting France's dominance and their path to the knockout stages. The severe weather delay also shows how external factors can affect tournament scheduling, which may influence future match planning.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 22, 2026
WireMatch between France and Iraq kicks off at Lincoln Financial Field
Jun 22, 2026
WireMbappé scores first goal in the 14th minute
Jun 22, 2026
WireSevere thunderstorm forces suspension of match near halftime
Jun 22, 2026
WireMatch resumes after over two-hour delay
Jun 22, 2026
WireMbappé scores second goal in the 54th minute
Jun 22, 2026
WireDembélé scores France's third goal in the 66th minute
Jun 22, 2026
WireMatch concludes with France winning 3-0