Mbappe's double leads France past Iraq in lightning-delayed World Cup clash

Kylian Mbappe scored his second brace of the tournament, and France cruised to a 3-0 victory over Iraq in a World Cup match marred by a lengthy weather delay. Mbappe's goals came in the 14th minute and after the break, with Ousmane Dembele also finding the net in the second half.

Mbappe's tally now stands at 16 World Cup goals, tying former record-holder Miroslav Klose. Earlier on Monday, Lionel Messi set a new benchmark of 18 career World Cup goals with his brace in Argentina's win over Austria. Mbappe also sits one behind Messi in the Golden Boot race.

Dembele scored after half-time, controlling a pass from Michael Olise and finishing low. France, with six points, are virtually assured of advancing; a win or draw by Norway against Senegal would confirm their place in the round of 32.

Iraq remain winless with zero points but still have a chance to qualify as one of the best third-place teams. They will likely need a win against Senegal and help from other results, and may be without striker Aymen Hussein, who left the match in the 26th minute with an apparent injury.

The match was dramatically interrupted by weather. As storms rolled in at half-time, spectators were instructed to seek shelter. Players returned for warm-ups about 1 hour and 40 minutes later, and the restart was further delayed as ground staff used squeegees to clear standing water from the pitch.