FIFA World Cup: France defeat Iraq 3-0 to secure passage to knockout stages

By  News On Air   Jun 23, 2026

In FiFA World Cup, France defeated Iraq 3-0 in a Group I match at the Philadelphia Stadium early morning to secure their passage to the knockout stages. Kylian Mbappé scored twice and Ousmane Dembélé added a third, but the match was overshadowed by severe thunderstorms that forced a two hour and 12 minute delay, evacuation of spectators, and a complete washout of the pitch.

Earlier, Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in their Group J match in Arlington, United States last night, to secure a place in the Round of 32. Argentina captain Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 38th minute and added a second in stoppage time. With his two goals, Messi took his FIFA World Cup tally to 18, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals to become the highest goal-scorer in World Cup history.