LAGOS – France produced a dominant display to defeat Iraq 3-0 in their Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Monday night.
Reports that the French side controlled most of the game and made their superiority count with two goals from Kylian Mbappe and one from Ousmane Dembele.
The match was interrupted by severe weather conditions, causing a lengthy delay before the second half resumed, but France remained focused and secured all three points.
France took the lead in the 14th minute when Michael Olise supplied a neat pass to Mbappe at the edge of the penalty area.
The French captain unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that beat the Iraqi goalkeeper and gave his side a deserved advantage.
Iraq struggled to cope with France’s pace and movement as the Europeans continued to create chances.
The first yellow card of the match went to Iraq’s Amir Al Ammari in the sixth minute after he brought down Mbappe during a dangerous run toward goal.
The booking reflected Iraq’s difficulties in containing the French attack.
After the weather delay, France resumed strongly and doubled their lead in the 54th minute.
Dembele capitalised on a defensive mistake by Iraq and selflessly squared the ball to Mbappe, who calmly finished into an empty net for his second goal of the night.
The goal further underlined Mbappe’s sharp finishing and ability to punish defensive errors.
France sealed the victory in the 66th minute through Dembele. Olise once again played a key role, collecting the ball in midfield before driving forward and delivering a well-timed pass to Dembele.
The winger controlled the ball brilliantly before firing a precise shot into the far corner to make it 3-0.
The goal crowned an impressive performance from both Dembele and Olise, who consistently troubled the Iraqi defence.
In spite of the trailing, Iraq showed determination and attempted to create opportunities on the counterattack.
However, the French defence remained organised and prevented the Asian side from finding a way back into the match.
The victory strengthened France’s position in Group I and highlighted the quality of their attacking players.
Mbappe’s brace once again demonstrated why he remains one of the tournament’s most dangerous forwards, while Olise’s two assists and Dembele’s goal and assist showed the depth of talent in the French squad. (NAN)
