Mbappe scores brace, becomes fourth player to score in three straight World Cups
France captain Kylian Mbappe scored a brace as France defeated Iraq 3-0 in their World Cup group match on June 22, 2026. This marks his third consecutive World Cup game with multiple goals, following a brace against Senegal and a hat-trick in the 2022 final against Argentina. With this performance, Mbappe becomes the fourth player in history to score two or more goals in at least three successive World Cup appearances, joining Sandor Kocsis (1954), Guillermo Stabile (1930) and Lionel Messi (2026).
The achievement underscores Mbappe's peak form heading into France's final Group I fixture against Norway on Friday, June 26, 2026. Both teams already have six points and have secured places in the Round of 32 after their respective wins over Iraq and Senegal. For African fans following the tournament, Mbappe's form highlights the level of individual excellence that can influence knockout-stage outcomes.
With Mbappe leading France's attack, will his form raise the bar for African teams preparing for their own knockout matches, or will it simply underscore the gap between continental sides and the current world elite?