In Philadelphia, France captain Kylian Mbappé struck twice against Iraq, marking his 15th and 16th World Cup goals in 16 matches. His 100th cap made him the youngest French centurion, and his 60‑goal haul in 100 appearances sets a new benchmark.

The 27‑year‑old’s 119‑kmh left‑foot strike opened a 3‑0 lead, followed by a tap‑in aided by Dembélé’s assist. France secured a round‑of‑32 berth before their final group game against Norway, leaving Mbappé with two more matches to extend his record.

Deschamps praised Mbappé’s leadership on and off the field, noting his relentless goal‑scoring drive. The striker quoted Messi and Ronaldo as the best forwards, while stressing that winning the Cup outweighs personal accolades.

Mbappé’s performance underscores France’s offensive potency and his growing legacy. The nation now eyes a potential third final appearance in 2026, with Mbappé set to lead the charge.