France tops Group I as Mbappé scores, Iraq and Senegal battle for knockout spot

Kylian Mbappé gave France a 1‑0 lead over Iraq in Philadelphia, scoring his 59th goal for Les Bleus and marking his 100th international appearance. The win puts France at the top of Group I in the 2026 men’s World Cup. Iraq, beaten 3‑0 by France, and Senegal, who lost 3‑2 to Norway, must now win their final group match in Toronto to qualify as one of the eight best third‑placed teams.

The decisive fixture between Iraq and Senegal at Toronto’s BMO Field will determine which side advances, while Norway’s victory over Senegal secures the top two group spots. The France‑Iraq match also featured the first all‑Canadian referee crew in a men’s World Cup.

Both teams face an anxious wait after the game, as the group stage concludes on Saturday and the knockout‑stage qualifiers are confirmed.