Kylian Mbappé scores 2 goals to lead France to 3-0 win over Iraq and into World Cup knockout stage
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France's Kylian Mbappe, right, celebrates with Dayot Upamecano after scoring his side's opening goal against Iraq during the World Cup Group I football match in Philadelphia, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Kylian Mbappé scored twice to move into a tie for second place in career World Cup goals with 16, and France played through the tournament’s first rain delay to beat Iraq 3-0 on Monday and advance to the knockout stage.
Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé also scored for Les Bleus, giving fans who braved a rainy night in Philadelphia a reason to celebrate.
Mbappé scored in the 14th and 54th minutes to cap a momentous and soggy 100th international appearance for one of the best players in the world.
Mbappé had a chance to complete a hat-trick on a late breakaway but missed before being substituted in the 90th minute.
Mbappé’s first goal gave France a 1-0 lead heading into halftime, when heavy rain and an incoming thunderstorm prompted a delay of just over two hours and forced the grounds crew to squeegee water off the swampy Kentucky bluegrass field.
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