History in the Making! Mbappé Chases the Crown, and Dembélé Breaks His Duck as France Demolishes Iraq

Les Bleus are definitely running at full throttle now! At the FIFA 2026 World Cup game involving France and Iraq, the European Champions showcased their dominance as they claimed an emphatic win to seal their passage to the Round of 32 stage of the competition. The game was just too exciting, especially because of some record-shattering moments in the game.

Without a doubt, the tale of the match will be of Kylian Mbappé’s. Showing his tournament prowess once again, the French team captain continued his frightening performance by scoring in back-to-back World Cup games, courtesy of a scaring double that left the Iraqi team utterly exposed and helpless.

These weren’t just regular goals but monumental history-makers. Scoring with his brace tonight, Mbappé became the first player to surpass Brazil’s famed Ronaldo El Fenomeno (15 goals), thus tying with Germany’s Miroslav Klose with 16 World Cup goals. In doing so, he is now just two goals away from surpassing Lionel Messi (18 goals), who just last night became the new record holder.

As Mbappé was turning the world’s sporting history books upside down, another star French player had a moment that was very close to his heart. Ousmane Dembélé, coming into this cup having just won the coveted Ballon d’Or trophy for an outstanding performance at the club level, accomplished something he has been dreaming of all his life – getting his first-ever World Cup goal.

France is regarded as one of the biggest favourites in the tournament, and the game served as yet another reminder of why. It was Jules Kounde who provided total solidity on the right side and made sure no Iraqi counter-attacks ever materialised.

However, what really makes opponents tremble is the depth which Didier Deschamps possesses now. Once Iraqi players started tiring, he sent in one star player after another – Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Marcus Thuram, highly talented O Doue, and inventive Rayan Cherki constantly attacked the opposition in the second period.

Sportscape anticipates that, as of now, France has easily entered the Round of 32, sending yet another message to the rest of the teams. Provided that Mbappé keeps up the hunt for Messi's record and France keeps performing like this, there is little hope for other teams.