France Beats Iraq 3-0 in Weather-Delayed World Cup Match; Iraq Still Needs Big Win vs Senegal

France defeated Iraq 3-0 on June 22 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Kylian Mbappé scored in each half to give France the win and bring his 2026 World Cup total to four goals. The match was suspended for more than two hours after lightning and thunderstorms forced players off the field shortly after halftime.

It marked the first weather-related delay of the 2026 tournament. FIFA rules call for a 30-minute pause and evacuation of seating areas when lightning is detected within eight miles. Mbappé also marked his 100th international appearance for France during the game.

He added his sixth multigoal World Cup performance and moved past Ronaldo's 15 career World Cup goals to tie Miroslav Klose's record of 16. Ousmane Dembélé assisted Mbappé's second goal and scored France's third goal in the 66th minute, his first in a World Cup. Lionel Messi scored twice earlier the same day in Argentina's win over Austria, extending his career World Cup total to 18 goals.

France coach Didier Deschamps said the team played cards in the dressing room during the extended break. He added that the most important factor after the delay was securing 20 minutes to warm up again without risk. "Records are made to be beaten," Deschamps said.

"He has reached 100 caps, goals he will keep scoring many. Then, Messi, [Cristiano] Ronaldo. " Mbappé said there was no competition with Messi over the goal record. "Leo has also scored, he scores and he will always score.