France beat Iraq 3‑0 as thunderstorm forces two‑hour break

France secured a 3‑0 victory over Iraq in their second World Cup group match on Thursday, with Kylian Mbappé celebrating his 100th cap and scoring his 16th tournament goal, while Ousmane Dembélé added a second. A thunderstorm forced a two‑hour halftime interruption. In the opening half both sides tested each other, with Iraq mainly retreating while France found it difficult to generate large chances. France broke the deadlock when Michael Olise supplied a pass that allowed Kylian Mbappé to strike from the edge of the penalty area with his weaker left foot, beating goalkeeper Ahmed Basil. The first half ended without further goals, as a severe thunderstorm limited attacking play. During the interval a nearby lightning strike prompted officials to deem the pitch unsafe, ordering spectators to move indoors.

France beat Iraq 3-0 as Mbappé and Dembélé score

After a pause of more than two hours the game resumed, and Mbappé's goal was described as a swift retaliation for an Iraqi defensive lapse, assisted by Ousmane Dembélé. The strike marked Mbappé's sixteenth World Cup goal, tying him with Miroslav Klose and placing him one behind Lionel Messi's record. A second Iraqi error later saw the ball reach Michael Olise, whose precise delivery found Ousmane Dembélé on the right flank. Dembélé calmly finished to complete the 3‑0 scoreline.

Michael Olise equals Kylian Mbappé 11-goal involvement record for France

No additional goals were recorded, confirming France's clean sheet in the match. With this win France has secured victories in both of its group fixtures. The French side now looks ahead to a Friday clash with Norway, the final Group I encounter. The winner of that match will top the group, while France has already booked its place in the knockout stage.