Mbappe masterclass seals France progress after weather disruption

France booked their place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage with a commanding 3-0 victory over Iraq in a weather-disrupted Group I clash at Philadelphia Stadium in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The encounter was halted at halftime due to adverse weather conditions, delaying the restart by almost two hours, but Didier Deschamps' side resumed with the same intensity to claim a second consecutive win and secure qualification with a game to spare ahead of their final group fixture against Norway.

For Iraq, the defeat ended their hopes of progressing to the last 16. They will now play Senegal in their final group match before exiting the tournament.

France dominated possession from the outset and threatened early when Manu Kone fired wide inside the opening minute before Kylian Mbappe narrowly missed the target from distance.

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The breakthrough arrived in the 14th minute. Michael Olise played a clever pass into Mbappe, who controlled on the edge of the area before drilling a precise effort into the left corner to hand Les Bleus a deserved lead.

Iraq struggled to create clear opportunities, although Ali Al Hamadi headed wide after connecting with a Merchas Doski delivery midway through the half. France remained in control, with Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola causing constant problems down the flanks.

The French took their slender advantage into the break, but the match was then suspended due to severe weather, forcing players and supporters to wait nearly two hours before the second half could begin.

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Once play resumed, France quickly asserted their superiority. Mbappe doubled the advantage in the 54th minute, turning home from close range after being picked out by Dembele.

The second goal effectively ended Iraq's resistance, although the Asians continued to push forward. Youssef Amyn won a corner and Ali Al Hamadi later dragged an effort narrowly wide, but Mike Maignan was rarely troubled.

France almost added a third when Olise struck the crossbar on 58 minutes before Adrien Rabiot headed wide from the rebound.

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The third goal eventually arrived in the 66th minute. Olise again turned provider, threading a pass into Dembele, who rifled a low finish into the bottom corner to put the result beyond doubt.

Deschamps then rotated his squad, introducing Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki, Maghnes Akliouche and Malo Gusto as France comfortably saw out the closing stages.

The victory sends France through to the knockout rounds with six points from two matches, while Iraq remain without a point and can no longer qualify for the last 16.

WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE (ROUND 2)

France-Iraq 3-0 (1-0)

/Mbappe 14, 54, Dembele 66/

Tuesday 23.06.

06.00: (5.50) Jordan (3.70) Algeria (1.67)

Group K

Tuesday 23.06

20.00: (1.22) Portugal (6.50) Uzbekistan (13.0)

***odds are subject to change***