Mbappe Double Sends France Into World Cup Last 32
Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France defeated Iraq 3-0 in a World Cup match delayed by two hours due to lightning storms. The victory secures France's place in the Round of 32. Despite the delay and difficult conditions, Mbappe delivered a statement performance that has drawn praise from across the football world. France manager Didier Deschamps backed Mbappe to eventually surpass Lionel Messi's all-time goal tally.
Algeria came from behind to defeat Jordan 2-1, eliminating the World Cup debutants from the tournament. Jordan took an early lead but Algeria responded with two second-half goals to secure a dramatic turnaround win. The result ends Jordan's first World Cup campaign in the group stage. Arab media coverage highlighted both the disappointment of Jordan's exit and Algeria's resilience.
Iraq's World Cup journey ended with a 3-0 defeat to France, but Iraqi fans expressed pride in their team's performance against the reigning champions. Al Jazeera reported that Iraqis celebrated their team's effort despite the loss, with many calling it a 'dream' to compete on the world stage. The match was delayed by two hours due to lightning storms near the stadium. Iraq's debut World Cup campaign showcased the nation's growing football ambition.
Lionel Messi delivered another memorable performance as Argentina beat Austria, with pundits calling it another 'immortal' moment in his legendary career. The match added to Messi's record-breaking World Cup legacy, coming years after he had previously announced international retirement. Coverage from BBC and Al Jazeera emphasized the fairy-tale quality of Messi's continued dominance at the World Cup stage. The Independent highlighted a vital quality behind Messi's enduring success.
Erling Haaland scored twice to lead Norway to a 3-2 victory over Senegal, securing Norway's place in the knockout stage. BBC and Sky Sports described Haaland as 'on fire' as he powered his team through a tightly contested match. The win sets up potential clashes with other tournament heavyweights in the Round of 32. Norway's successful campaign has been largely driven by Haaland's prolific form.