France Defeats Iraq 3-0 to Secure Spot in World Cup Round of 32

Kathmandu. In the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group 'I' match, France defeated Iraq 3-0 to secure a place in the final 32. In the match held at Philadelphia Stadium, captain Kylian Mbappe scored two goals and Ousmane Dembele scored one for France's victory. Mbappe gave France the lead in the 14th minute with a spectacular goal from Michael Olise's pass. He added his second goal in the 54th minute of the match, which ended 1-0 in the first half. Then, in the 66th minute, Dembele scored from another pass by Olise, ensuring France's victory.

The match was stopped for about two and a half hours before the start of the second half due to bad weather. After a long interruption, the game resumed with France maintaining its rhythm and putting clear pressure on Iraq.

This match was also captain Mbappe's 100th international game. He made the achievement memorable with two goals. Similarly, Dembele scored his first goal in a major international competition.

With their second consecutive win, France has secured a place in the final 32 with one group stage match remaining. The defeated Iraq is on the verge of being eliminated from the World Cup. Iraq now faces the pressure of needing to win against Senegal in their final group match.