Kylian Mbappe marked his 100th international cap with two goals to move joint-second on the all-time World Cup scoring list, as France overcame a two-hour storm delay to beat Iraq 3-0 and seal their place in the last 32 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
The match was halted as lightning flashed around the stadium at half-time, with players forced to wait at least 15 minutes after the last flash before returning to the pitch. The delay came after a severe weather alert for the Philadelphia area, with CBS News reporting: "Several thunderstorms are expected to become severe, with damaging winds, intense lightning, and a risk of isolated tornadoes." The second-half water break was subsequently cancelled due to the lengthy pause.
“Mbappe scores twice on 100th cap as France beat Iraq after 2-hour storm delay to reach World Cup last 32.”
When play finally resumed, Mbappe took centre stage. His brace – his fourth and fifth goals of the tournament – lifted him alongside legends on the World Cup all-time list and kept him in touch with Lionel Messi in the golden boot race. Messi had earlier scored twice for Argentina in a 2-0 win over Austria, moving to five goals for the tournament and setting a new record for overall World Cup goals (17).
Norway also secured their knockout stage berth with a 3-2 win over Senegal, Erling Haaland scoring a brace to stay in contention for the golden boot. Mbappe now has four goals, Messi five, and Haaland also on four.
France's victory ensured they top their group and head into the last 32 as one of the favourites, but the storm delay in Philadelphia served as a reminder that even the world's best must bow to the weather.