Dembélé scores to put the game beyond Iraq's reach, making it 3-0

Mbappé grabs his brace, reaches 16 World Cup goals and draws level with Klose after a terrible mistake playing out from the back by Iraq

The match resumes as the second half gets underway

Due to the heavy and intense rainfall, a lightning protocol has been activated in Philadelphia during the halftime break. The protocol mandates a 30-minute suspension of the match whenever lightning is detected in the vicinity. Play can only resume approximately 30 minutes after the last recorded thunderclap. Consequently, the start of the second half between France and Iraq has been temporarily suspended.

HALF-TIME

41’ Mbappé almost catches the keeper out! The French star tried to capitalize on Ahmed Basil being off his line by firing a shot from midfield, but the ball sailed too far.

38’ It is pouring in Philadelphia. Severe weather had already marked the pre-match buildup, forcing a delay in the stadium gates opening due to a thunderstorm warning.

34’ Lack of chemistry between Kylian Mbappé and Bradley Barcola: the Real Madrid forward's first-time flick caught the PSG player off guard, who wasn't expecting the layoff and missed the chance to link up the play.

29’ Iraq sends a warning! Merchas Doski delivered a precise cross to the back post looking for Ali Al Hamadi, but the Luton Town striker’s header went wide of the target.

COOL BREAK 

20’ The Iraqi side is struggling to string passes together after bypassing the initial pressure, forced to put in a grueling physical effort to close defensive gaps and contain the French onslaught.

17’ Michael Olise reaffirms his impact with the national team: the Bayern Munich attacking midfielder has now racked up 11 direct goal contributions—seven goals and four assists—in just 19 international appearances, highlighting the notable chemistry he has developed with Kylian Mbappé in the French attack.

14’ Goal for France! Kylian Mbappé puts the French ahead with a spectacular left-footed strike from outside the box that finds the top corner, following an assist from Michael Olise. France 1-0 Iraq.

5’ Without the ball, Deschamps sets the team up in a double block, keeping Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappé as offensive references; behind them, Barcola and Dembélé drop back to the midfield line alongside Manu Koné and Adrien Rabiot to form a compact unit.

2’ Deschamps starts the match with Michael Olise in the attacking midfield role, flanked by Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola on the wings; meanwhile, balance in the midfield falls to Manu Koné and the untouchable Adrien Rabiot.

KICK OFF

IRAK LINE UP

FRANCE LINE UP

For its part, Iraq faces the match under pressure after falling 4-1 to Norway on the first matchday. The Lions of Mesopotamia need to get points to stay in contention for qualification and avoid premature elimination. Forward Aymen Hussein, scorer of Iraq's only goal in the tournament, will once again be the main offensive reference for a team that needs to improve considerably on defense.

Didier Deschamps' side comes in with high confidence after their 3-1 victory over Senegal in their debut. The main protagonist was Kylian Mbappé, who scored two goals to reach 14 World Cup tallies, becoming France's all-time top scorer in World Cup history.

A new victory would allow Les Bleus to secure their spot in the Round of 32 in advance, further consolidating their position as one of the top contenders for the title.

The French national team faces Iraq this Monday, June 22, in the second round of Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match will take place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia at 3:00 PM Central Mexico time and could determine the first team to qualify from the group.