On paper, it was the easiest match for them, and they got the job done. Facing the most recent qualifier for the World Cup held in North America, the French national team players didn't fall into the trap of complacency against Iraq on Monday night in Philadelphia. Playing with great focus, Maghnes Akliouche's teammates, with Akliouche starting on the bench, secured a comfortable 3-0 victory despite a significant setback.
Mbappé, a record-breaker in explosive mode ⚽
Led by another gem crafted in the Principality, Kylian Mbappé, who had become the sole all-time leading scorer for Les Bleus thanks to his brace against Senegal with 58 goals (3-1 victory), they wasted no time in striking. Unsurprisingly, it was the former AS Monaco youth academy player who opened the scoring with a powerful left-footed strike in the first quarter of an hour, following another pass from Michael Olise (1-0, 14')!
The rain keeps the suspense going 🌩️
Leading at halftime, which lasted (much) longer than expected due to the bad weather (around 2 hours), Les Bleus then cruised to victory in the second half. Didier Deschamps' men doubled their lead thanks to their captain, who capitalized on an Iraqi defensive error (2-0, 54'), for his 60th international goal. Having provided the assist for this second goal, Ousmane Dembélé then sealed the victory with yet another pinpoint pass from… Michael Olise (3-0, 66')!
Akliouche makes his World Cup debut 🇲🇨
The end of the match, though lively, produced no further goals, despite Maghnes Akliouche's introduction in place of Bradley Barcola (83'), to mark his World Cup debut. France thus secured their second victory in as many matches, guaranteeing their qualification for the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. They now face Norway this Friday evening (kick-off 9 pm), with first place in the group at stake.
Having defeated a Senegal side featuring Lamine Camara and Krépin Diatta (3-2), who were once again in the starting lineup for the Lions of Teranga, Erling Haaland and his teammates will indeed face France in a real group final.
*Cover photo credit: Icon Sport
