France into World Cup knockout stage with win over Iraq despite two-hour weather delay
France secured their place in the World Cup Round of 32 after a 3-0 victory over Iraq, despite a nearly two-hour suspension due to a storm. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi became the all-time top scorer in World Cup history.
With a second win in two matches, Les Bleus have booked their spot in the World Cup knockout phase. Although Iraq never truly threatened, the match was disrupted by a storm over Philadelphia that caused a suspension of nearly two hours between the first and second halves.
France will play a decisive match on Friday against Norway to determine the winner of Group I. Senegal, who lost 3-2 to Norway (led by Erling Haaland), are on the brink of elimination.
In other news, Lionel Messi etched his name into the record books once again. The 38-year-old forward became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history by netting a brace against Austria. He now leads German striker Miroslav Klose, who had held the record since 2014, by two goals.
On the tennis court, Venus Williams suffered her 11th consecutive singles defeat. The 46-year-old American has not won since last July, but will have a chance to bounce back in doubles at Wimbledon, where she will partner with her sister Serena Williams.
