Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group I - France v Iraq - Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. - June 22, 2026 France's Kylian Mbappe applauds their fans as he leaves the pitch after being substituted REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

Mbappe double sends France into knockout rounds after lengthy weather delay

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PHILADALEPHIA, June 22 : Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France secured their place in the World Cup knockout rounds with a 3-0 victory over Iraq on Monday after a thunderstorm delay turned the Group I clash into an almost four-hour affair.

Mbappe, who now sits two goals (16) behind Lionel Messi on the all-time World Cup scoring list, struck either side of the interval before Ousmane Dembele got on the scoresheet as France maintained their perfect start to the tournament and moved on to six points.

The second half began after a delay of almost two hours because of thunderstorms and lightning in the Philadelphia area.

France conclude their group stage campaign against Norway in Boston on Friday.

(Writing by Julien PretotEditing by Christian Radnedge)

Source: Reuters

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