Dallas, USA: France secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Iraq in their Group I clash on Sunday, with captain Kylian Mbappé scoring twice to inspire Les Bleus to a second successive win of the tournament.
The French entered the match on the back of a 3-1 victory over Senegal and once again demonstrated their attacking quality against an Iraqi side that struggled to contain Didier Deschamps’ men.
Mbappé opened the scoring in the first half after France dominated possession and created several chances. The Real Madrid forward doubled the advantage after the break, taking his tally for the tournament to three goals and further underlining his status as one of the competition’s standout performers.
France’s third goal came late in the match as the former world champions wrapped up a convincing victory to maintain their perfect start in Group I.
The result lifts France to six points from two matches, guaranteeing qualification to the knockout stage with one group game still to play. Norway’s 3-2 victory over Senegal later on Sunday also confirmed France’s progression.
France have now scored six goals in their opening two matches while conceding just one, highlighting both their attacking firepower and defensive solidity.
Mbappé was once again the central figure, tormenting Iraq’s defence throughout the contest with his pace, movement and finishing ability. His brace also moves him closer to the leading scorers at the tournament.
For Iraq, the defeat leaves them rooted at the bottom of Group I and facing elimination unless they can secure a positive result in their final group-stage fixture against Senegal.
France will conclude their group campaign against Norway, with top spot in Group I now firmly within reach.
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