France Reach World Cup Knockout Stage as Iraq Exit After 3–0 Defeat

Kathmandu — France have advanced to the last 32 of the World Cup after defeating Iraq 3–0 in a match that was interrupted for nearly two and a half hours due to bad weather.

Kylian Mbappe scored twice for France as the team produced an impressive performance after the match resumed following a long weather delay. With their second consecutive victory, France secured their place in the knockout stage.

France took the lead early in the match. Playing his 100th game for the national team, Mbappe scored a brilliant goal in the 14th minute to give France a 1–0 advantage.

The match was suspended for around two hours after bad weather struck shortly after the end of the first half. When play resumed, Iraq adopted a defensive strategy, but they were unable to contain France’s attack.

Mbappe scored his second goal in the 54th minute to extend France’s lead.

Ousmane Dembele then added France’s third goal in the 66th minute. It was Dembele’s first goal in a major international tournament.

France had defeated Senegal in their opening match, while Iraq had lost to Norway. With this defeat, Iraq have been eliminated from the group stage.