Real Madrid stars continue to set the stage alight at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Kylian Mbappe coming up with back to back braces in the tournament.
France faced Iraq in an intriguing game that they comfortably won 3-0, thanks to goals from Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
Mbappe continued from where he left off against Senegal, scoring a left footed stunner in the first half to put France in the lead. The goal saw him pull level with Klose’s record and move just two behind Lionel Messi, who himself netted a brace for Argentina earlier in the day.
The Real Madrid superstar enters a flow state whenever he wears the France jersey, and he can already be considered one of the best World Cup stars ever. The other Los Blancos star involved last night was Ibrahima Konate, also for France, though he was an unused substitute.
Mbappe vs Iraq: A captain’s performance
Real Madrid had one clear headline act on the latest matchday, and Mbappe made sure the spotlight stayed firmly on him.
The France captain started against Iraq and scored twice in a 3-0 win that sent Didier Deschamps’ side into the knockout rounds. It was also his 100th appearance for France, which made the night and his performance feel even more significant.
Mbappe attempted eight shots, putting three on target and repeatedly attacking the Iraq box. His first goal came with a powerful left footed strike from outside the area, the kind of finish that changes the mood of a match instantly. His second arrived after the break, as France pulled away and Iraq struggled to recover.
Elite mentality
Mbappe also missed three big chances, which shows there was still some wastefulness in his game. But that is also what makes him special. It doesn’t matter just how many chances he misses; he just does not stop bearing down on goal. That is elite mentality.
The long weather delay at half time could have disrupted France’s rhythm, but Mbappe did not let the game drift away from him.
The bottom line
Back to back braces. A record equalling goal. A 100th cap. France through to the knockout rounds.
Mbappe is unstoppable. He is the star of this World Cup. And he is showing no signs of slowing down.
Madrid fans can be happy that one of their own is setting the stage alight. Long may it continue.
