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  • France vs Iraq, FIFA World Cup 2026 Highlights: Full time, Mbappé brace and Dembélé’s first goal seal 3-0 win

France finish strongly to wrap up a 3-0 win, with Kylian Mbappé scoring a brace to once again lead the way in attack. Ousmane Dembélé also gets on the scoresheet with his first World Cup goal. Iraq showed moments of resistance but were ultimately outclassed over the course of the match.

Kylian Mbappé races down the left and goes close to a hat-trick but sends his effort high into the stands after driving forward at pace from midfield. That proves to be his final action as he is replaced by Marcus Thuram for the closing minutes.

Malo Gusto and Maghnes Akliouche are introduced for Bradley Barcola and Jules Koundé as France continue to rotate heavily in the closing stages.

Bradley Barcola breaks down the left and delivers a dangerous ball into the box, but it is well read and cleared by Hashim for a corner as France continue to threaten.

Iraq are pushing forward but time is slipping away with just 10 minutes left. After conceding three, it now feels like a losing battle as France stay comfortably ahead and manage the closing stages.

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A flurry of substitutions follows France’s third goal. Rayan Cherki and Désiré Doué come on for Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé for France. For Iraq, Ali Jasim Sher and Hussein Farji replace Amir Al Ammari and Ibrahim Bayesh.

Dembele gets his long-awaited major tournament goal in his 19th appearance across World Cup and Euros. After earlier unselfish play for Mbappé’s second, he finishes emphatically from Olise’s superb setup, as the midfielder turns away from defenders before threading a perfect pass through for the striker to score.

Kylian Mbappé has now officially scored 16 goals in 16 World Cup appearances after netting his second goal of the match against Iraq. Following a lengthy two-hour weather delay in Philadelphia, he capitalised on a defensive error in the 54th minute to complete his brace, matching Miroslav Klose’s legendary tally and moving into the chase behind Lionel Messi’s record of 18 goals.

Mbappé is left with a simple finish after Iraq’s Tahseen misplaces a pass intended for goalkeeper Basil, allowing Dembele to intercept. The forward then unselfishly squares it for Mbappé, who side-foots home from close range. It takes him to 16 goals in 16 World Cup appearances as France extend their lead.

Mbappé scores his second goal of the night at 54’, finishing clinically to put France further ahead after sustained pressure in the opening minutes of the second half. Iraq are left chasing the game after the French forward’s brace.

No changes from either side at half-time. France have started the second half looking sharp, maintaining possession as they resume from where they left off before the two-hour delay. Iraq remain compact and disciplined, limiting early penetration.

Groundstaff are still working on areas of standing water on one side of the pitch, with surface conditions far from ideal. France players have been seen changing boots, while Iraq players are testing the bounce of the ball, which is barely reacting on the waterlogged surface. Both managers will be concerned about injury risks as they prepare for the restart at 8pm.

The French FA have confirmed the match will resume at 7:50pm ET, with players expected to return for warm-ups at 7:30pm ET following the lightning delay in Philadelphia.

Due to adverse weather conditions in Philadelphia including the risk of lightning in the vicinity of the stadium, the FIFA World Cup match between France and Iraq has been suspended.

A 30-minute break has been announced. However, the situation is still being observed to determine if further delays are anticipated. 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.

The US thunderstorm protocol, based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) guidelines, requires matches to be suspended if lightning or electrical discharge is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium. When this happens, fans are moved to safe shelter inside the venue, while players and staff leave the pitch and head to the dressing rooms.

Play cannot resume until there have been no further lightning strikes within the eight-mile radius for a continuous 30-minute period. If another strike is detected, the 30-minute countdown resets. If storms are detected within the radius shortly before kick-off, the start of the match is also delayed.

FIFA is not responsible for this weather protocol and cannot override the safety rules in place.

Fans have been instructed via stadium screens to vacate their seats and move to shelter due to the thunderstorm.

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued at Lincoln Financial Field, with winds of up to 60mph and heavy rain expected to impact the area for the next 30 minutes. Fans have been instructed via the stadium big screens to vacate their seats and move to shelter, and the stands have now been cleared as conditions worsen.

The second half remains delayed due to lightning activity, with safety protocols in place before any restart can be considered.

The match is currently at half-time with France leading 1-0 through Mbappe’s early strike, but the start of the second half has been delayed due to lightning activity in the Philadelphia area. Heavy rain continues to pour down, with fans taking shelter in concourses and ponchos out in full force across Lincoln Financial Field.

The delay is expected to last at least 15 minutes, with a longer wait possible depending on weather conditions. Safety protocols require a clearance period after the last lightning strike, meaning the restart could be pushed further back if the storm persists.

Kylian Mbappe’s early goal remains the difference at half-time, with France edging ahead after a dominant start. Iraq have grown into the game, especially after the hydration break, and have shown improved resistance and occasional threat on the counter, but they have struggled to truly test Mike Maignan.

France have controlled large spells through possession and remain the more dangerous side, with Mbappe continuing to cause problems every time he gets on the ball. Iraq will feel they are still in the contest, but will need more precision in the final third after the break.

Iraq have a free-kick in a promising position after Amir Al-Hammadi is brought down by Manu Koné. The set-piece gives them a late chance to test France before half-time, with three minutes of added time confirmed as the rain continues to fall heavily in Philadelphia.

Mbappe almost had his second goal of the night as he twisted and turned past Zaid Tahseen inside the box, creating space for a shot. Just as he prepared to finish, Hussein Ali got across brilliantly to nick the ball away at the crucial moment, preventing what looked like a certain goal.

Mbappe tries his luck from distance, but his effort sails well over the bar and never troubles the goalkeeper. There was a brief moment of concern just before that, as Ibrahim Bayesh went down clutching his shin after a challenge involving Adrien Rabiot, with Iraq appealing for a foul, but play continues.

Iraq have done well to keep this game to just a one-goal margin so far, managing to slow France down and disrupt their attacking flow. The rain is now pouring heavily in Philadelphia, with fans bringing out ponchos in the stands as conditions worsen. There hasn’t been a weather delay yet, although there was a brief pre-match warning when a thunderstorm passed over the stadium.

Iraq have come out of the hydration break looking the better side, pressing higher and showing more intent going forward, while France have slowed the tempo slightly to regain control through possession. Mbappe, however, remains a constant danger, with another effort from the edge of the box being blocked, Iraq cannot afford to keep giving him shooting opportunities.

Iraq have looked much improved since the hydration break, showing more intent going forward and forcing a corner off Lucas Digne down the right side. However, Al Ammari’s set-piece is overhit and sails past everyone in the box, allowing France to clear and eventually win a throw-in.

Mbappe links up brilliantly with Michael Olise, playing a neat one-two before the return pass is only half-cleared by Iraq’s defence. The ball falls back to Mbappe at the top right edge of the box, and he curls a thunderous left-footed strike into the far corner, leaving Ahmed Basil with no chance. A stunning finish from the France captain as he moves to 15 World Cup goals and continues his chase behind Lionel Messi.

GOAL! Mbappe gives France the lead. A perfect moment on his 100th appearance as he finishes clinically to put his side ahead.

France are keeping their opponents pinned deep inside their own half at the moment. It has been a strong start from Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé, both looking lively and dangerous in the early exchanges.

Iraq kicked off and immediately went long, resulting in a goal kick for France. If that was intended as a throw-in, it was a poor execution.

At 6', France had their first real break through Mbappé, who drew a foul from Amir Al-Ammari, earning him an early yellow card. Iraq will need to be cautious for the remaining minutes, as it could turn into a long night defending on a booking.

Iraq have lined up in a matching 4-2-3-1 formation to counter France’s system in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I fixture. The setup shows a balanced approach from the Iraqi side as they aim to stay compact defensively while looking to break quickly in transition.

The confirmed Iraq starting XI is as follows:

Hussein Ali (Right-Back)

Akam Hashim (Centre-Back)

Zaid Tahseen (Centre-Back)

Merchas Doski (Left-Back)

Amir Al-Ammari (Defensive Midfield)

Zaid Ismael (Defensive Midfield)

Attacking Midfield / Wingers:

Ibrahim Bayesh (Right Wing)

Zidane Iqbal (Attacking Midfield / No. 10)

Ahmed Qasem (Left Wing)

Aymen Hussein (Captain & Striker)*


France have set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation for their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I clash against Iraq, with manager Didier Deschamps making three tactical changes from the previous match. Lucas Digne, Manu Koné, and Bradley Barcola come into the starting lineup as France look to control possession and add more width in attack.

The confirmed France starting XI is as follows:

Goalkeeper:
Mike Maignan

Defenders:
Jules Koundé (Right-Back)
Dayot Upamecano (Centre-Back)
William Saliba (Centre-Back)
Lucas Digne (Left-Back)

Midfield:
Manu Koné (Defensive Midfield)
Adrien Rabiot (Defensive Midfield)

Attacking Midfield / Wingers:
Ousmane Dembélé (Right Wing)
Michael Olise (Attacking Midfield / No. 10)
Bradley Barcola (Left Wing)

Forward:
Kylian Mbappé (Captain & Striker)

— IraqNT_EN (@IraqNT_EN)
— FrenchTeam (@FrenchTeam)

Graham Arnold’s presence at this World Cup represents a significant achievement in its own right. After overseeing a record 72 international matches for Australia and guiding the Socceroos to the Round of 16 at Qatar 2022, Arnold accepted one of the most challenging assignments in international football when he took charge of Iraq.

His impact was immediate. Iraq’s qualification hopes had begun to fade before his arrival, but he successfully revitalised the campaign and ultimately guided the nation through the final stages of qualification.

Should Iraq continue their World Cup journey beyond the group stage, Arnold would further strengthen an already impressive international coaching résumé. He is on course to become one of the very few managers to lead two different nations from the same confederation at the World Cup, joining an exceptionally exclusive group.

For now, however, his attention is fixed on a task that would rank among the biggest results of his coaching career. Iraq face a French side stacked with world-class talent, yet Arnold has spent much of his career proving that organisation, belief and discipline can narrow even the widest gaps on paper. Tonight presents another opportunity to do exactly that.

Didier Deschamps occupies a unique place in football history. As captain, he lifted the World Cup on home soil in 1998. As manager, he repeated the feat in Russia in 2018 and later guided France to the 2022 final in Qatar.

His current World Cup campaign is expected to be the final chapter of a reign that began in 2012 and has transformed France into the benchmark of consistency in international football. During that period, Les Bleus have reached a World Cup quarter-final, won a World Cup, reached another World Cup final and established themselves as one of the sport’s most formidable national teams.

Only three men have won the World Cup as both player and coach: Mario Zagallo, Franz Beckenbauer and Deschamps. Another deep run in North America would strengthen his claim to be considered alongside the greatest international managers the game has produced.

What has distinguished Deschamps throughout this period has been his ability to continuously regenerate the squad without sacrificing competitiveness. Established stars have departed, younger players have emerged, yet France continue to arrive at major tournaments with realistic ambitions of lifting the trophy.

For Iraq, this World Cup is about considerably more than results alone. The Lions of Mesopotamia arrived in North America having completed one of the longest and most demanding qualification campaigns of any team in the tournament.

Their route stretched across 21 matches over 28 months, producing 15 victories, three draws and only three defeats. Iraq dominated the second round of Asian qualifying with six wins from six matches before narrowly missing automatic qualification in the third round. Further drama followed in the repechage phase, a regional play-off and ultimately an intercontinental showdown with Bolivia in Monterrey, where goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein secured their place at the World Cup.

The achievement carried enormous emotional significance for a nation that had waited four decades to return to football’s biggest stage after their only previous appearance at Mexico 1986.

Although the opening defeat against Norway was disappointing, Iraq did manage to find the net and remained competitive for long periods. Against France, Graham Arnold’s side face one of the sternest tests in international football, but they also have an opportunity to produce one of the defining results of their modern football history.

Few nations enter major tournaments with a stronger blend of proven pedigree and emerging talent than France. Didier Deschamps has spent more than a decade constructing a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, and the depth available to him is one of the principal reasons Les Bleus continue to be viewed as one of the favourites in North America.

Mike Maignan provides security in goal, while William Saliba, Jules Kounde and Dayot Upamecano form the backbone of a defence filled with elite-level experience. In midfield, Aurelien Tchouameni continues to grow into one of the most influential players in European football, supported by the enduring presence of N'Golo Kante.

The attacking options remain particularly intimidating. Kylian Mbappe is the headline figure, but he is supported by Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki, ensuring France possess a range of profiles capable of changing matches in different ways.

Their opening victory over Senegal was not flawless, yet it reinforced a familiar theme surrounding Deschamps' teams. Even when France are not operating at their absolute peak, they retain the ability to seize control of matches through moments of individual brilliance and collective quality.

Group I enters its second round of fixtures with plenty still unresolved despite France and Norway both opening their campaigns with victories. Norway currently sit top of the standings courtesy of their superior goal difference after defeating Iraq 4-1, while France occupy second place following their 3-1 win over Senegal. Iraq and Senegal remain without points but neither side has been eliminated from contention.

That creates substantial pressure on both teams entering Philadelphia. France know that a second consecutive victory would place them in a commanding position before their final group-stage meeting with Norway. Iraq, meanwhile, are attempting to avoid a scenario in which qualification depends entirely on results elsewhere during the final round of matches.

The expanded 48-team format has opened new pathways to the knockout stages, but it has also heightened the importance of avoiding defeat in the group phase. For Iraq, a positive result against one of the tournament favourites would dramatically alter the complexion of Group I. For France, it represents an opportunity to underline their credentials as genuine contenders for another World Cup crown.

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Source: The Times of India