France vs Iraq Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026: France seal knockout spot with routine win after long weather delay

FT’ | France have wrapped up another commanding performance with a 3-0 victory over Iraq, as Kylian Mbappe once again scored a brace. The win has sealed France’s second straight victory of the tournament, confirming their place in the knockout stages with a game to spare.

90′ | The fourth official has indicated 2 minutes of added time at the end of the match as France continue to dominate Iraq with a 3-0 lead.

89′ | Kylian Mbappe came close to completing his hat-trick. However, his left-footed effort sailed over the bar with too much power behind it, missing a golden chance. Deschamps then subbed him out, bringing on Marcus Thuram for the closing minutes.

82′ | Deschamps has made two more substitutions, bringing on Gusto and Akliouche for Barcola and Kounde, as France continue to dominate Iraq 3-0. Kylian Mbappe remains on the watch for his hat-trick.

66′ | France are cruising at the Philadelphia Stadium as Ousmane Dembele makes it 3-0 against Iraq. The PSG forward got on the scoresheet after another dominant attacking move from France, making them favourites to qualify for the knockouts today.

54′ | Kylian Mbappe has made it 2-0 for France against Iraq after capitalising on a costly goalkeeping error. A poor goal-kick from Iraq gifted possession to Ousmane Dembele, who showed great awareness to find Mbappe in the middle, with the French star calmly sending the ball into the net. This is Mbappe’s fourth goal of this World Cup and 16th overall. This is also his sixth brace of the World Cup.

45′ | The France vs Iraq game has finally resumed after a lengthy 130-minute suspension due to severe weather conditions. France went into the break with a 1-0 lead, and both teams are now ready to continue the Group I clash after officials gave the green light following the storm interruption.

The France vs Iraq FIFA World Cup 2026 clash is set to resume after a weather-related interruption. Players have returned to the field, with the match restart scheduled for 5:30 AM IST as both teams prepare to continue the Group I encounter.

Rain derailing World Cup plans in Philadelphia:

We still have no official update on when the game would restart. FIFA has stated that the safety and security of all involved is the priority.

“FIFA will follow the safety protocols established by the local authorities, and the match will resume as soon as it is safe to do so. The safety and security of all individuals is FIFA’s priority. We thank all fans for their understanding and cooperation.”

Kylian Mbappe’s third goal of this World Cup is his 15th overall at the biggest stage. He has now moved level with Brazilian great Ronaldo as the third highest scorer in tournament history. Miroslav Klose is on 16 and Lionel Messi, after his exploits earlier today, now on 18.

“The second half is delayed due to adverse weather conditions. The game will resume when deemed safe. Please shelter in place.”

There is no official update regarding a restart time for this match. It is still raining heavily at the venue and we are likely to wait for some more time.

Scenes from the venue:

“FIFA’s emergency preparedness team meets regularly with national meteorological and emergency management authorities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as with partners across all 16 host cities.

“A comprehensive, tournament-wide preparedness exercise focusing on severe weather scenarios has further strengthened cross-agency coordination and operational readiness.

“Stadiums are required to maintain robust risk management and evacuation procedures, including lightning and severe weather protocols aligned with local legislation and international best practice.”

There is not a fixed rule regarding suspensions and restarts of games once weather delays proceedings. So, there is no cut-off time for what happens next. For the time being, we wait.

Meanwhile, you could take a look at the list where Kylian Mbappe has left Lionel Messi far behind. Read full story here.

It is raining cats and dogs at the venue:

It is raining hard in Philadelphia and we have a severe weather alert. That has delayed the start of the second half of this match. Let us see how long this wait will be.

First half ends here with France keeping a lot of possession but scoring only once in the first 45 minutes. Will the floodgates open after the break?

44′ Rain is now tumbling down at Philadelphia Stadium as France are trying to find ways to double their lead against a resolute Iraqi defence.

40′ Kylian Mbappe tries to test the goalkeeper from a distance but it is not at all on target and goes high above the crossbar.

38′ Another attempt from France to push the ball into the box has been averted by Iraqi defence. Good work so far from the Gulf side.

35′ Ousmane Dembele made a good run into the box but he cannot find any space to work with. Iraq have been decent with their defence so far.

28′ Ali Al Hamadi has just replaced Aymen Hussein as a substitute and he has helped Iraq take a couple of quick shots at the goal. One is a long range shot and the other is a header but none of them are effective enough.

23′ It is a hot day in Philadelphia and players are now taking the hydration break. We have seen some fans booing this stop in play at times this World Cup.

20′ Dembele could have been dangerous here had he reached to the ball. Iraqi players manage to cut him off and take control here as a cross came into the box.

14′ France do not take much time to open their account and it is none other than Kylian Mbappe who scores. Olise tried a shot just before it and the ball remained with France. This time he passes it to Mbappe who slots the ball into the left side of the net.

FRA 1-0 IRQ

12′ France are looking dangerous so far in this game. Iraq hae been pinned deep into their own half and France are bossing possession.