Rayan Cherki makes 24-minute cameo in France’s 3-0 win over Iraq

France secured a 3-0 victory over Iraq in a World Cup qualifier on Monday night, with Rayan Cherki making a 24-minute cameo appearance. The match was heavily disrupted by severe weather, including a two-hour delay in the second half due to nearby lightning strikes. France dominated early, with Kylian Mbappé scoring in the 14th minute with a precise left-footed drive into the far corner. The game was paused for over two hours after halftime due to lightning, resuming under floodlights. Iraq, despite losing captain Aymen Hussein to an early injury, managed to frustrate France before the weather interval. The delay shifted momentum, and France capitalised on a defensive error from Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil, who miscontrolled a short goal-kick from Zaid Tahseen, allowing Ousmane Dembélé to set up Mbappé for a tap-in.

France beat Iraq 3-0 as Mbappé and Dembélé score

Mbappé’s goal marked his 16th career FIFA World Cup goal, tying him with Miroslav Klose for second on the all-time scoring charts. Lionel Messi had earlier broken the record with his 17th goal. France extended their lead when Michael Olise, who had previously hit the crossbar with a chip, delivered a precise outside-of-the-foot pass to Dembélé, who scored his first major tournament goal in his 20th appearance.

France 3-0 Iraq as Mbappé scores twice, match halted

Rayan Cherki played the final 24 minutes, completing 18 accurate passes from 28 touches, with an 86% pass accuracy. He made five passes into the final third, won two ground duels, made one tackle, and created one big chance. The match data is provided by FotMob.