Kylian Mbappe scores twice in France’s 3-0 win over Iraq at World Cup
The French star reached 16 career World Cup goals and earned his 100th cap as France punched their ticket to the knockout stage in Philadelphia
Kylian Mbappe reminded the world why he’s the most dangerous player on the planet, scoring twice in France’s 3-0 demolition of Iraq in their Group I clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match, played in Philadelphia on June 22, was delayed by over two hours due to thunderstorms, making it the first weather-suspended game of the entire tournament.
Mbappe joins elite company
Mbappe opened the scoring in the 14th minute, wasting no time once the weather finally cooperated. He then doubled France’s lead in the 54th minute, bringing his career World Cup goal tally to 16 across three tournaments.
That number ties him for second on the all-time World Cup goalscoring list.
Ousmane Dembele put the finishing touch on the result in the 66th minute, ensuring the scoreline reflected what had been a thoroughly dominant French performance.
The match also carried personal significance for Mbappe beyond the goals. He earned his 100th international cap for France, a milestone that cements his status as the centerpiece of this French generation.
A storm before the storm
The two-hour-plus weather delay in Philadelphia created an unusual atmosphere around a match that France was expected to control. Thunderstorms rolling through the area forced officials to suspend play, the first time such a delay had occurred at the 2026 World Cup.
This was France’s second win of the group stage, following a victory over Senegal in their tournament opener. The result against Iraq secured their passage to the knockout stage.