France Defeats Iraq 3-0 to Secure Group Victory

Philadelphia – 22.06.2026: In the second group match of Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the French national team defeated Iraq 3-0. The match at Philadelphia Stadium was watched by about 23,000 spectators. With this clear victory, France secured first place in the group early and thus advances directly to the knockout stage.

The French team, coached by Didier Deschamps, dominated from the start. In the 15th minute, Kylian Mbappé scored the first goal after a precise cross from Ousmane Dembélé. In the 35th minute, Adrien Rabiot increased the lead to 2-0 by converting a rebound following a shot from Michael Olise. Shortly after the second half began, Olise scored the third goal with a spectacular long-range shot in the 50th minute, sealing the outcome.

Iraq, participating in the World Cup for the first time in 40 years, showed dedication but lacked offensive breakthrough. The team coached by Radhi Shenaishil tried to create chances with quick counterattacks, but the French defense around William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano left few opportunities. Only Aymen Hussein posed a threat in the 39th minute when his header from a corner narrowly missed the goal.

With this win, France leads Group I with six points. Norway ranks second with four points after previously defeating Iraq 4-1. Senegal sits at the bottom with zero points following a 1-2 loss to France. The last group match between Norway and France on June 26 will therefore be decisive for the final standings.

The early group victory is very significant for France to pave an easier path in the knockout rounds. After the game, coach Deschamps emphasized: “We achieved the goal we set today. Now, we focus on the next match.” The French team enters the upcoming duel against Norway with confidence.

Despite the defeat, Iraq holds hope to collect points in their next match against Senegal and keep a chance to advance to the knockout stage. Coach Shenaishil expressed optimism after the match: “We played today against one of the best teams worldwide. We will learn from this experience and prepare ourselves as best as possible for the next game.”

The final group match in Group I will take place on June 26, when Norway faces France – a game that will definitively decide the group winner.