Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France beat Iraq 3-0, sending the Real Madrid forward into the World Cup knockout stage with another statement performance.
The group-stage match in Philadelphia was interrupted by a long storm delay, but Mbappe’s influence cut through the disruption. He scored in each half before Ousmane Dembele added France’s third, keeping Didier Deschamps’ side on course for a deep tournament run.
Mbappe keeps raising Real Madrid’s World Cup stakes
The Guardian’s live report on France’s win detailed Mbappe’s brace after the weather delay, a result that leaves Madrid supporters watching their star forward with familiar mixed emotions: pride in his dominance, and hope he stays fresh.
For Real Madrid, the performance matters beyond the scoreboard. Mbappe is carrying elite tournament rhythm into the summer, showing the acceleration, penalty-box timing and ruthlessness that make him central to the club’s next attacking cycle.
The goals also reinforce how central he remains to every attacking conversation around Madrid. Even away from the Bernabeu, his tournament form becomes part of the expectation that will follow him back into the new club season.
There is still a workload question, because France’s progress means more minutes in high-intensity conditions. But on form alone, Mbappe looks exactly where Madrid would want him: decisive, confident and moving toward the business end of the World Cup.
