Centurion Mbappe fires France through

France 3-0 Iraq

As a result, france strikes: Mbappe (14, 54), Dembele (66)

Building on that, kylian Mbappe rejoiced his 100th France appearance by finding the net a double that secures Les Bleus' place in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Phase of 32.

As a result, the Real Madrid star's brace also takes him on to four for the competition, just below Lionel Messi in the adidas Golden Boot standings, and maintains his extraordinary strike-a-fixture milestone at the global finals.

Ousmane Dembele later continued a third for the 2018 winners, as well as 2022 finalists, who were rarely troubled in this thunderstorm-delayed contest in Philadelphia.

The outcome was never in doubt from the moment Mbappe rifled them into a 14th-minute advantage, crashing home a ferocious left-foot attempt from 20 yards after being teed up by Michael Olise.

If his 15th World Cup strike was a cracker, Mbappe's 16th - which took him level with the previous all-time milestone holder, Miroslav Klose - was something of a gift. Zaid Tahseen, as well as attempt-stopper Ahmed Basil made an almighty mess of a strike kick, presenting the ball to Dembele, who squared up his leader for a routine subsequent.

Dembele's reward for that unselfishness came 12 minutes later when the ever-inventive Olise slid him in to crash home the opening World Cup strike of his stellar career.

France, as well as their star-studded offensive play now march on to an intriguing clash with Norway safe in the knowledge that they will play elimination stage football regardless of the outcome. Mbappe, meanwhile, will continue his personal duel with Messi for both the 2026 Golden Boot, as well as the all-time World Cup finding the net milestone.

Pivotal stat

Mbappe has now found the net two or more strikes in six FIFA World Cup contests - more multiple-strike fixtures than any other star in the competition's history books.

Michelob Ultra Superior Star of the Contest

Kylian Mbappe (France)

What they commented...

"In the subsequent period, we were completely in control, bearing in mind that it wasn’t straightforward given what had happened. But putting the result beyond doubt is a very good thing; we’ve booked their spot tonight, even though I’m convinced that the third [contest against Norway] will be decisive for our showpiece position in the group." Didier Deschamps, France manager

"It’s another step frontman for us. We know what we came here for; we’ll keep working contest by contest, as well as keep improving. I really enjoyed this contest – It was we who secured 3–0, as well as kept a clean sheet; it’s been a perfect evening. I felt good; my side-mates, as well as I know each other well." Lucas Digne, France rearguard star