Mbappé celebrates 100th cap with brace as France crushes Iraq 3-0 and advances to last 16

Kylian Mbappé scored twice on his 100th cap and Ousmane Dembélé sealed the win: France dominated Iraq 3-0 in their second group-stage match, securing qualification for the last 16 despite a 2h12 interruption caused by thunderstorms.

France took time to break through. After an early alert from Koné in the 2nd minute — a left-footed volley that just missed the target — the team created multiple chances in Iraq’s half but struggled to penetrate a well-organized low block. It was finally in the 14th minute that Mbappé settled it with a powerful left-footed strike from the edge of the box, opening his centenary in the best possible way.

France accelerates after the break

The match was then suspended for 2h12 due to weather conditions. On resumption, Didier Deschamps’ side raised the tempo. In the 55th minute, Mbappé got his brace following a Dembélé recovery, before Dembélé himself came close to hitting the post.

French dominance was confirmed in the 67th minute: Dembélé scored the third goal with a curled finish to settle the contest. The controlled end to the match, despite a dangerous Iraqi corner, confirmed the collective solidity of Les Bleus.

With this victory, France finishes the group stage in a strong position and secures a place in the last 16, confirming their status as tournament favorites.