← Back to News
Centurion Mbappe fires France through
Players
F
FIFA Official·about 4 hours ago

Centurion Mbappe fires France through

France goals: Mbappe (14, 54), Dembele (66)

Kylian Mbappe celebrated his 100th France appearance by scoring a double that secures Les Bleus' place in the Round of 32.

The Real Madrid star's brace also takes him on to four for the tournament, just below Lionel Messi in the , and maintains his extraordinary goal-a-game record at the global finals.

Ousmane Dembele later added a third for the 2018 winners and 2022 finalists, who were rarely troubled in this thunderstorm-delayed match in Philadelphia.

The outcome was never in doubt from the moment Mbappe rifled them into a 14th-minute lead, crashing home a ferocious left-foot shot from 20 yards after being teed up by Michael Olise.

If his 15th World Cup goal was a cracker, Mbappe's 16th - which took him level with the previous all-time record holder, Miroslav Klose - was something of a gift. Zaid Tahseen and goalkeeper Ahmed Basil made an almighty mess of a goal kick, presenting the ball to Dembele, who squared up his captain for a routine second.

Dembele's reward for that unselfishness came 12 minutes later when the ever-inventive Olise slid him in to crash home the first World Cup goal of his stellar career.

France and their star-studded attack now march on to an intriguing clash with Norway safe in the knowledge that they will play knockout football regardless of the outcome. Mbappe, meanwhile, will continue his personal duel with Messi for both the 2026 Golden Boot and the all-time World Cup scoring record.

Mbappe has now scored two or more goals in six FIFA World Cup matches - more multiple-goal games than any other player in the tournament's history.

"In the second half, we were completely in control, bearing in mind that it wasn’t straightforward given what had happened. But putting the result beyond doubt is a very good thing; we’ve qualified tonight, even though I’m convinced that the third [match against Norway] will be decisive for our final position in the group." Didier Deschamps, France coach "It’s another step forward for us. We know what we came here for; we’ll keep working match by match and keep improving. I really enjoyed this match – we won 3–0 and kept a clean sheet; it’s been a perfect evening. I felt good; my team-mates and I know each other well." Lucas Digne, France defender

Sources: FIFA Official

Get WC 2026 Updates

Match previews, results, and standings — delivered to your inbox.

Related Articles

'Scoring machine' Haaland scores second double of World Cup
Players

'Scoring machine' Haaland scores second double of World Cup

Erling Haaland scored another World Cup double as Norway beat Senegal 3-2 in New Jersey.

B
BBC Sport·about 4 hours ago
Haaland helps fire Norway into knockouts
Players

Haaland helps fire Norway into knockouts

Norway goals: Holmgren Pedersen (43), Haaland (48, 58) Senegal goals: Sarr (53, 90+3)

F
FIFA Official·about 4 hours ago
2026 World Cup Odds: Messi, Mbappé, Haaland Top Historic Golden Boot Race
Players

2026 World Cup Odds: Messi, Mbappé, Haaland Top Historic Golden Boot Race

The superstars have shined at the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far. Check out the latest Golden Boot odds.

F
Fox Sports·about 4 hours ago
Mbappe double sends France into last 32 after weather-hit win over Iraq
Players

Mbappe double sends France into last 32 after weather-hit win over Iraq

France booked their place in the World Cup last 32 with a game to spare as Kylian Mbappe's ruthless double inspired a 3-0 victory over Iraq in a contest interrupted by a two-hour weather delay in Philadelphia.

S
Sky Sports·about 4 hours ago
France v Iraq: match resumes after two-hour storm delay at World Cup 2026 – live
Players

France v Iraq: match resumes after two-hour storm delay at World Cup 2026 – live

⚽️ World Cup kick-off: 5pm ET/10pm BST/7am AEST ⚽️ Player guide | Bracketology | Golden Boot | Email Tim And here’s our reporter at the game, Paul MacInnes. “Ground already packed for a match that has been highly anticipated in Philly,” he writes. “T

T
The Guardian·about 4 hours ago
Julián Alvarez sparks transfer frenzy by telling Atlético Madrid he wants to leave
Players

Julián Alvarez sparks transfer frenzy by telling Atlético Madrid he wants to leave

Argentina forward wants to ‘fulfil dream’ by departing Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG linked with 26-year-old Julián Alvarez has said he wants to ⁠leave Atlético Madrid to “fulfil his dream” following reported interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid ⁠an

T
The Guardian·about 4 hours ago