France take a commanding 3-0 lead over Iraq

France moved to the brink of the FIFA World Cup knockout stage with a commanding 3-0 lead over Iraq, scoring twice in quick succession after a weather-enforced delay of more than two hours.

Didier Deschamps' side had gone into the break leading 1-0 thanks to an early strike from captain Kylian Mbappé. However, after play resumed following a lengthy suspension caused by severe weather concerns, France returned with renewed intensity and effectively put the contest beyond Iraq's reach.

Mbappé doubled France's advantage in the 54th minute after capitalising on a costly defensive mistake. Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil failed to deal with a misplaced back-pass from Ahmed Qasem, allowing Ousmane Dembélé to pounce and square the ball unselfishly for Mbappé, who finished into an empty net.

The goal took Mbappé's World Cup tally to 16, drawing him level with German legend Miroslav Klose on the tournament's all-time scoring chart. The French captain now trails only Lionel Messi, who sits at the top with 18 World Cup goals.

France struck again moments later as Dembélé capped off a brilliant attacking move. Collecting a precise pass from Michael Olise after a surging run, the winger calmly slotted home his first goal of the tournament to extend the lead to 3-0.

The emphatic performance leaves France firmly in control of Group I and on course to secure a place in the last 32, while Iraq face an uphill battle to keep their World Cup hopes alive.