France beat Iraq 3-0 with Mbappe hat-trick in World Cup group stage

BAGHDAD, Iraq — PHILADELPHIA — France defeated Iraq 3-0 in the second match of the 2026 World Cup group stage at Lincoln Financial Field, with Kylian Mbappe scoring all three goals in the 14th, 54th and 66th minutes. Ousmane Dembele completed the scoring sequence in the 66th minute. The first half was suspended for nearly two hours due to severe rain and thunder, with stands evacuated on safety grounds. Play resumed once weather conditions improved. Iraq, who lost 4-1 to Norway in their opening match, made a substitution in the 26th minute when striker Aymen Hussein was injured, bringing on Ali Al-Hammadi. Iraq will face Senegal on June 26 in their third group fixture. It remains unclear whether Hussein, who picked up a groin injury, will be available for the Senegal match pending further medical assessment. France, meanwhile, moved to four points with the victory.