(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Kylian Mbappé Scores Twice as France Advances to Knockout Stage

PHILADELPHIA — Kylian Mbappé scored twice on Monday to reach 16 career FIFA World Cup goals, moving into a tie for second place on the all-time scoring list.

The France forward played a key role in his team’s 3-0 victory over Iraq, which secured France’s place in the knockout stage of the tournament.

Mbappé opened the scoring in the 14th minute during his 100th international appearance, giving France an early lead. After a long weather delay that extended halftime, he added his second goal in the 54th minute.

Following the match, Mbappé acknowledged the challenge of matching the record set by Lionel Messi.

“If I want to keep up with what Leo is doing, I’ll have to do even more,” he said.

France head coach Didier Deschamps praised Mbappé’s consistent goal-scoring ability and his influence on the team.

“He’s here to score goals, and that’s something he continues to do,” Deschamps said.

Mbappé is currently playing in his third World Cup and remains one of the leading scorers in the tournament’s history. With his age and experience, he is expected to remain a key figure for France in future international competitions.

France will now focus on its upcoming knockout-stage matches as the tournament continues.