- France secured a 3-0 victory over Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium, qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage with one game remaining.
- Captain Kylian Mbappé led the team with two goals, scoring in the 14th and 54th minutes to maintain France's dominant momentum.
- Ousmane Dembélé added a third goal in the 66th minute following a significant two-hour rain delay that briefly interrupted the match.
- With six points from two matches, the French squad displayed exceptional depth and balance across their attack, midfield, and defense.
Kathmandu, Nepal: France continued their strong run in the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a confident 3–0 victory over Iraq, sealing their place in the knockout stage with a game to spare. The defending World Cup runners-up once again relied on their captain Kylian Mbappé, who scored twice in a dominant team performance.
Played at the Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia, the match began with France immediately on the front foot. Their pace in attack and control in midfield quickly pushed Iraq deep into their own half, leaving little room to build meaningful pressure.
The breakthrough came in the 14th minute when Mbappé found the net with a sharp finish inside the box, giving France a deserved lead. From that moment, the rhythm of the game was largely one-sided, with France dictating possession and creating chances almost at will.
Just before halftime, heavy rain forced a long interruption, halting the match for nearly two hours. The break slowed the momentum, but France returned after the delay with the same intensity and focus.
Once the second half resumed, Mbappé struck again in the 54th minute. His second goal reflected his trademark timing and composure, effectively putting France in full control of the match. Iraq tried to respond with more energy going forward, but they struggled to break through France’s organized defense.
In the 66th minute, Ousmane Dembélé added the third goal, finishing a well-worked move to put the result beyond doubt and complete a comfortable night for the French side.
While Iraq showed brief moments of effort, France’s quality in every department—attack, midfield, and defense—proved too strong. Their passing was sharper, their movement cleaner, and their finishing more decisive.
With this win, France move to six points from two matches and comfortably secure their place in the knockout stage. More importantly, they once again looked like a team finding form at the right time, with Mbappé leading from the front and the squad showing depth and balance across the pitch.
