France 3 – 0 Iraq

Kylian Mbappe’s ruthless double inspired France to a 3-0 win over Iraq in a competition marred by a two-hour weather delay in Philadelphia to book their place in the last 32 of the World Cup.

Didier Deschamps’ side will qualify knowing victory will be assured after their first win over Senegal and they delivered with minimum fuss, overcoming both stubborn opposition and ‘Mother Nature’ to continue their flawless start to the tournament.

Mbappe is the headline again. The France captain struck either side of half-time to take his tally to four goals in the competition, explaining why he remains one of the most feared forwards in world football.

But there were also moments of personal redemption for Ousmane Dembele. The winger finally ended his long wait for a goal in a major international tournament, finding the net for the first time in his 20 hours of appearances at the World Cup and European Championships.

France’s standards were clear from the start. Their movement between the lines constantly stretched Iraq and Mbappe made the breakthrough midway through the first half when he belted home from 22 yards.

After that, the match took an unprecedented turn.

Officials ordered players and fans to take cover as strong storms swept through the Philadelphia area, causing the first weather-related delay of the World Cup. The 15-minute break should have been extended to a two-hour stoppage after lightning concerns forced organizers to postpone the restart.

When play finally resumed, France quickly extinguished the Iraqis’ lingering hopes as Mbappe took advantage of some confusing decisions from Iraq to play from behind. The French superstar is now just two goals behind Lionel Messi in the all-time World Cup goalscoring race with 16.

Michael Olis made the third by turning away from his defenders before slotting past Dembele. France take on Norway in their last game on Friday and are top of the table with six points.

‘Song in the rain’ – first weather delay at World Cup

Key moments in Philadelphia…

9 – Goal! Mbappe put France ahead with a racing strike from distance

40 – Rain! With headlines for the cover of heaven open fans in Philadelphia

45 – The game is delayed! The players did not return for the second half as the game was delayed due to lightning

46 – Start the game again! After two hours the players returned for the second half

56 – Goal! A simple finish from Mbappe after a pass out from the back involving Zayed Tahsin

66 – Goal! Dembele breaks his duck of the tournament to make it 3-0

What does the result mean?

Player rating…