DALLAS — France secured their passage to the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, navigating a weather-delayed clash to dismantle Iraq 3-0. Kylian Mbappé headlined the victory with a clinical brace, while Ousmane Dembélé ended his long wait for a major international tournament goal to confirm Les Bleus’ dominance in Group I.
The disparity in quality was apparent from the opening whistle, though a disciplined Iraqi defensive block kept the scoreline respectable during a rain-soaked first half. It took Mbappé just 14 minutes to break the deadlock; the Real Madrid forward collected a pass from Michael Olise on the edge of the area and rifled an unstoppable strike into the top corner.
The match took an unexpected turn as a severe thunderstorm descended upon the stadium during the interval. The torrential conditions forced a two-hour delay before the second half could commence, leaving both sides to wait out the elements.
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Upon the resumption, Iraq’s resolve vanished in an instant. A calamitous error from Ahmed Qasem—whose misplaced square pass from a goal kick gifted possession to France—allowed Ousmane Dembélé to selflessly square the ball for Mbappé. The forward tapped home his 16th goal in as many World Cup appearances, effectively ending Iraq's resistance.
Didier Deschamps’ side maintained a stranglehold on the match thereafter. Michael Olise rattled the crossbar with a delicate chip before finally turning provider for the match’s final goal. In his 19th appearance at a major international tournament, Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembélé finally broke his duck, driving a low finish into the corner from a tight angle.
This France side looks more clinical than 2022. If Mbappé stays fit, the trophy is coming home.
The win cements France's place in the knockout stages. Conversely, Iraq’s path forward is now clear but difficult; the team must secure a victory against Senegal on Friday to keep their hopes of progressing from their second-ever World Cup campaign alive.
