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Kylian Mbappé scored twice to lead France to a 3-0 victory over Iraq on Monday, securing Les Bleus' place in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. The match at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia was suspended for more than two hours at halftime due to a severe thunderstorm, the first weather delay of the tournament Source: Al Jazeera.
Mbappé opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a left-footed strike from outside the box, assisted by Michael Olise Source: CNA. After the lengthy delay, Iraq conceded a second goal in the 54th minute when a defensive error allowed Ousmane Dembélé to set up Mbappé for a tap-in Source: Japan Today. Dembélé then added a third goal in the 66th minute, his first World Cup goal, after an assist from Olise Source: Infobae. France dominated throughout, outclassing a Iraq side ranked 60th in the world.
The first half ended with France leading 1-0. As lightning struck within eight miles of the stadium, officials activated the severe weather protocol, ordering spectators to take cover. The delay lasted approximately two hours and ten minutes, with several lightning strikes resetting the clock Source: El Mundo. The stoppage disrupted Iraq's rhythm, according to coach Graham Arnold: "It was more the players just had to sit and relax... and then get themselves obviously ready when we went back out there" Source: CNA.
Mbappé’s brace brought his career World Cup tally to 16 goals, tying Miroslav Klose for second all-time, behind Lionel Messi who earlier scored twice against Austria to reach 18 Source: ABC.es. The French captain, playing his 100th international match, also reached 60 goals for France Source: El Confidencial. Despite the personal milestones, Mbappé emphasized team goals: "I would play the entire World Cup without scoring if France win the trophy" Source: CNA.
“Kylian Mbappe scored his second brace of the tournament, and France eased to a 3-0 victory over Iraq in the first match of this World Cup beset by a lengthy weather stoppage.”
“Mbappe's double in Monday's 3-0 win over Iraq propelled France into the knockout rounds while elevating his career World Cup goal tally to 16, level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose and only two behind Lionel Messi's all-time record.”
“Estuvo parado entre las 17:50 hora local hasta su reanudación a las 20:50, por lo que el encuentro duró en total tres horas y 50 minutos, entre las 17:00 y las 21:00.”
“For his second goal, Mbappé took advantage of a poor pass to the goalkeeper by Iraq defender Zaid Tahseen. Dembele controlled the loose ball and passed to Mbappé, who tapped it in with his right foot.”
“But it was more the players just had to sit and relax and keep relaxed and then get themselves obviously ready when we went back out there.”
“En el 66, Olise, en la posición de media punta en la que Deschamps le ha ubicado, le devolvió a Dembélé el regalo que le había hecho a Mbappé para que 'El Mosquito', muy cuestionado en Francia, sumara su primer gol en una Copa del Mundo.”
“Mbappé's 16 goals tie Klose; Messi leads with 18 after his brace against Austria.”
“Mbappé, sin embargo, se va de Filadelfia con su segundo doblete en dos partidos, 60 goles con Francia en 100 partidos y como el segundo máximo goleador de todos los Mundiales.”
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