Mbappé Brace Powers France Into World Cup Round Of 32
Sports Updated: 23 June 2026 10:02 EAT
Photo courtesy : France players returning to the dressing room after full time whistle
France national football team secured qualification for the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 3–0 victory over Iraq in their second Group I match, with Kylian Mbappé delivering a decisive performance.
The result confirmed France’s progression to the knockout stage with a game to spare, following their opening win that had already placed them in a strong position in the group standings.
Mbappé scored twice to guide Les Bleus through a controlled but demanding fixture, breaking down Iraq’s defensive structure at key moments of the match.
The encounter was temporarily interrupted by a weather delay, but France maintained composure after the restart and continued to dictate possession and territory.
Ousmane Dembélé added a third goal late in the match to seal a comfortable victory and extend France’s perfect start to the tournament.
The win moves France onto six points in Group I, level with Norway at the top of the table, setting up a decisive final group fixture to determine first place.
Mbappé’s form further strengthens his position among the tournament’s leading scorers, reinforcing his role as France’s primary attacking threat in the expanded 48-team competition.
France will now turn attention to their final group match, where finishing top would secure a more favourable knockout route as they continue their push for another World Cup title.
Tags: Fifa 2026 World Cup FIFA World Cup 2026 France France National Football Team France National Team News Article Sports Article Sports City Sports Commentary Sports Enthusiasm Sports Enthusiasm Sports Journalism World Cup World Cup 2026
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD