France reach World Cup knock-out stages with 3-0 win over Iraq

France reached the World Cup’s knock-out stages on Monday after a 3-0 victory over Iraq, despite a two-hour weather delay. The lightning storm forced a first-ever World Cup weather delay and a half-time break that lasted two hours before play resumed. When the players returned, France controlled the match, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice to secure the win and qualification. Mbappé, on his 100th appearance for les Bleus, moved within one goal of Miroslav Klose’s World Cup all-time scoring record with his 16th goal in 16 matches. His first goal came after Michael Olise provided the assist, while Ousmane Dembélé added the second following an Iraqi defensive error. Dembélé, who had struggled to impress in major tournaments, scored his first goal in a World Cup or European Championship and forced a save shortly after. Lionel Messi had earlier overtaken Klose’s record of 17 World Cup goals with a hat-trick against Algeria, moving ahead of Mbappé in the all-time scoring duel. Messi now leads with 18 goals, while Mbappé has 16 in 16 matches—a goalscoring rate of one per match.

France beat Iraq 3-0 as Mbappé and Dembélé score

Didier Deschamps made three first-team changes, with Bradley Barcola starting in place of Désiré Doué. Barcola took his chance well, adapting across the front line to support Mbappé’s movement. Doué, who started on the bench, saw his position come under pressure, while Manu Koné delivered an impressive midfield performance, winning numerous balls and linking well with Adrien Rabiot. Lucas Digne played at left-back and had a mixed performance, with solid defensive work but poor crossing. His display did not secure a starting role ahead of Theo Hernandez, while France’s defensive lapses persisted despite a clean sheet. They conceded few clear chances but survived a couple of hairy moments that would have been punished against stronger opponents.

Mbappé’s second goal gives France 3-0 win, closes Messi gap

France’s clean sheet was their first in seven matches, though defensive concerns lingered. Deschamps’ side will now face tougher tests in the knock-out stages after easing past Iraq in challenging conditions.