France are through to the last 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Kylian Mbappe delivered a two-goal masterclass in a match against Iraq that was disrupted significantly by weather conditions. The match was stopped twice due to a lightning storm in the host city, but when football was played, Mbappe showed exactly why France are among the favourites to lift the trophy in July.
Mbappe Takes Centre Stage
The France captain scored both goals in the victory over Iraq, with his movement and finishing as sharp as ever. His first goal came from a perfectly weighted through ball that he converted with composure, and his second demonstrated the burst of pace that has made him one of the most feared forwards in world football. After the tournament-opening disappointment of their first group fixture, France needed a response — and Mbappe delivered it.
Weather Disruptions Test Both Sides
The match was far from straightforward. Lightning storms in the region forced two separate stoppages in play, and the disrupted rhythm made it difficult for either team to build sustained momentum. Iraq showed genuine character throughout, pressing France higher up the pitch and refusing to simply sit back. But France had too much quality in the final third, and Mbappe's individual brilliance ultimately proved decisive.
France's Group Stage Outlook
The win guarantees France's progression to the last 32, and they will now look to finish top of their group. For a squad containing Mbappe, Griezmann, and a strong supporting cast across the pitch, anything less than a deep run in this tournament would represent a failure. France have the talent. The question, as always, is whether they can stay together mentally and tactically over the course of a tournament.
What This Means for Iraq
For Iraq, the defeat leaves their World Cup campaign hanging by a thread. A comeback is not impossible, but they will need results to go their way. Their performances have shown enough quality to give neutral fans something to cheer, even if the results have not followed.
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