Mbappé double and two-hour storm delay as France defeat Iraq 3-0 in Philadelphia

Weather chaos in Philadelphia

A severe thunderstorm with lightning forced a suspension of over two hours, including halftime. Fans were told to leave the stands and seek shelter. Ground staff worked to clear water from the pitch. The delay meant no cooling break was taken in the second half, a first at this tournament. Organizers followed NOAA guidelines requiring a 30-minute halt after each lightning strike within 13 kilometres.

“A severe thunderstorm is approaching. Please seek shelter.”

Mbappé's milestone and record chase

The match was Mbappé's 100th international appearance for France. His two goals took him to 16 World Cup goals, level with Miroslav Klose and behind only Lionel Messi, who earlier in the day scored a hat-trick to reach 18. Mbappé had already become France's all-time leading scorer in the opening win over Senegal.

Lionel Messi18

Kylian Mbappé16

Miroslav Klose16

Ronaldo15

Lionel Messi

18 goals

Kylian Mbappé

16 goals

Miroslav Klose

16 goals

Ronaldo

15 goals

Data from the article text

Match action

Mbappé opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a curling shot that Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil might have saved. France were otherwise uninspired before the break. After the long delay, they emerged aggressively. A misplaced goal kick by Zaid Tahseen allowed Ousmane Dembélé to set up Mbappé for his second. Dembélé later added a third goal, with Michael Olise providing two assists.

Iraq's uphill battle

Iraq, appearing at their first World Cup in 40 years, remain without a point in the tournament's history. Coach Graham Arnold, who faced France as Australia's manager in 2022, joked beforehand about using three goalkeepers. Iraq can still make history by earning their first World Cup point in their final group match.

“I asked if we could play with three goalkeepers, but they said no.”