Philadelphia: France produced a dominant display to defeat Iraq 3-0 in their Group I match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Lincoln Financial Field on Monday night.
The French side controlled much of the contest and made their superiority count with two goals from Kylian Mbappe and one from Ousmane Dembele.
The match was interrupted by severe weather, leading to a lengthy delay before the second half resumed, but France stayed focused to secure all three points.
France took the lead in the 14th minute when Michael Olise delivered a neat pass to Mbappe at the edge of the penalty area.
The French captain unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that beat the Iraqi goalkeeper and gave his side a deserved lead.
Iraq struggled to cope with France’s pace and movement as the Europeans continued to create chances.
The first yellow card of the match went to Iraq’s Amir Al Ammari in the sixth minute after he brought down Mbappe during a dangerous run toward goal.
France resumed strongly after the weather delay and doubled their lead in the 54th minute.
Dembele capitalised on a defensive error by Iraq and squared the ball to Mbappe, who calmly finished into an empty net for his second goal of the night.
France sealed the victory in the 66th minute through Dembele. Olise again played a key role, collecting the ball in midfield before driving forward and laying off a well-timed pass to the winger.
Dembele controlled the ball brilliantly before firing a precise shot into the far corner to make it 3-0.
Iraq showed determination despite trailing and tried to create chances on the counterattack, but France’s defence remained organised and kept the Asian side at bay.
The win strengthened France’s position in Group I and underlined the quality and depth of their attacking options.
Mbappe’s brace again showed why he remains one of the tournament’s most dangerous forwards, while Olise’s two assists and Dembele’s goal and assist highlighted France’s balance in attack.
