France at the 2026 World Cup: Mbappe's History, a Storm Delay, and the Road Ahead

France, the 2018 world champions and runners-up in 2022, have arrived at the 2026 World Cup with an even more fearsome squad and a burning desire to go one better than their Qatar heartbreak.

Didier Deschamps' side, led by captain Kylian Mbappé, are one of the favourites to lift the trophy, and their campaign has already delivered drama, history, and a weather-related suspension that marked a tournament first.[reference:0][reference:1]

Currently sitting second in Group I with three points, Les Bleus opened their account with a 3-1 victory over Senegal before taking a 1-0 lead against Iraq in a match that was suspended due to severe storms in Philadelphia.[reference:2][reference:3]

Group I Standings & Results

France headline Group I alongside Norway, Senegal and Iraq – a group many experts have labelled the toughest four-team group in the entire tournament.[reference:4]

After one match apiece, the standings are as follows:[reference:5][reference:6]

Position	Team	Played	Wins	Draws	Losses	Goal Difference	Points
1	🇳🇴 Norway	1	1	0	0	+3	3
2	🇫🇷 France	1	1	0	0	+2	3
3	🇸🇳 Senegal	1	0	0	1	-2	0
4	🇮🇶 Iraq	1	0	0	1	-3	0

Group I Results So Far

June 16 – France 3-1 Senegal (MetLife Stadium, New York/NJ) [reference:7]

Kylian Mbappé scored twice while Bradley Barcola added another as France came from a sluggish first half to secure victory.[reference:8][reference:9]

June 16 – Norway 4-1 Iraq (Gillette Stadium, Foxborough) [reference:10]

Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway cruised past Iraq in the other Group I opener.[reference:11]

June 22 – France vs Iraq (Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia) – Suspended at half-time due to weather [reference:12]

France led 1-0 at half-time through a 14th-minute Mbappé goal before the match was suspended due to lightning and heavy rain.[reference:13]

June 22 – Norway vs Senegal (MetLife Stadium, New York/NJ) – Result TBC [reference:14]

Match Reports: Mbappé's History-Making Brace Against Senegal

France's Group I opener was a tale of two halves. Despite fielding a star-studded attacking lineup featuring Mbappé, Michael Olise, Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué, France struggled to impose themselves in the first half.[reference:15]

Senegal looked the more dangerous side before the interval, with Nicolas Jackson striking the post and Ismaila Sarr squandering a promising opportunity.[reference:16][reference:17]

France emerged with far greater urgency after the restart. Michael Olise threaded a perfectly weighted pass into Mbappé's path in the 66th minute, and the captain turned sharply to fire low into the far corner.[reference:18]

Bradley Barcola, on the pitch for just two minutes, doubled the lead in the 82nd minute, calmly lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper after being played through by Doué.[reference:19]

Senegal pulled one back in stoppage time through Ibrahim Mbaye, but Mbappé restored France's two-goal cushion just a minute later, sealing a 3-1 victory.[reference:20]

Mbappé's Historic Landmarks

Mbappé's brace took his World Cup tally to 14 goals, drawing him level with German legend Gerd Müller in third place on the tournament's all-time scoring chart. He now trails only Brazil's Ronaldo (15) and record-holder Miroslav Klose (16).[reference:21]

The two goals also lifted Mbappé to 58 international goals for France, overtaking Olivier Giroud as the country's outright top scorer.[reference:22]

France vs Iraq: The Storm That Stopped the World Cup

France's second group match against Iraq made history for a different reason. For the first time in World Cup history, a match was suspended due to weather conditions.[reference:23]

Mbappé had given France a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute, capitalising on an assist from Michael Olise to open the scoring.[reference:24] However, as the players prepared for the second half, the weather in Philadelphia rapidly deteriorated.

Heavy rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning strikes, forced organisers to activate emergency procedures. Screens in the stadium displayed announcements urging spectators to seek safe shelter while players returned to their locker rooms.[reference:25]

A FIFA official confirmed the match was postponed for at least 30 minutes and would only resume when playing conditions were deemed safe.[reference:26] Under US weather response procedures, all outdoor sporting events must be suspended if lightning is detected within approximately eight miles of a stadium.[reference:27]

The incident has raised concerns about the organisation of the 2026 World Cup, the first edition co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.[reference:28]

France's 2026 World Cup Squad

Didier Deschamps has assembled a formidable 26-man squad for what will be his final tournament as France manager.[reference:29]

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes)[reference:30]

Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernández (PSG), Theo Hernández (Al-Hilal), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)[reference:31]

Midfielders: N'Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe), Manu Koné (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)[reference:32]

Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Désiré Doué (PSG), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)[reference:33]

Notably, Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga was left out of the squad after a difficult season plagued by injuries and lack of form.[reference:34][reference:35]

Mbappé: 'This Is a More Attacking Team'

France captain Kylian Mbappé believes this squad possesses a more offensive edge than the teams that reached the previous two World Cup finals.[reference:36]

"This is a more attacking team than in 2018 and 2022, a team that is much more geared towards going forward," Mbappé said. "The second half was already a glimpse of what we can do when we're in good technical conditions."[reference:37]

Mbappé praised the emerging understanding between himself, Olise, Dembélé and Doué, adding: "With this type of movement and rotation, maybe tomorrow it will be two other attacking players who shine more. The advantage of this team is having so much talent."[reference:38]

When asked how he planned to stop France's attacking armada, Iraq coach Graham Arnold joked: "I asked if we could play three goalkeepers. But they said no."[reference:39]

What Happens Next?

France's immediate focus is on the resumption of their suspended match against Iraq, with Les Bleus leading 1-0 at half-time. A victory would put them on six points and all but guarantee qualification for the Round of 32.

• France vs Iraq (Resumption): The match will resume once weather conditions are deemed safe. FIFA has confirmed the delay could last several hours if storms persist.[reference:40]
• France vs Norway: The group stage concludes on June 26 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, with France facing Norway in what could be a decider for top spot in Group I.[reference:41]
• Deschamps' Final Act: Didier Deschamps has confirmed he will not extend his contract after the World Cup, making this his final tournament in charge of Les Bleus.[reference:42]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is France's current position in Group I at the 2026 World Cup?

A1: France is currently second in Group I with 3 points from one match, behind Norway on goal difference. They are level on points with Norway, with Senegal and Iraq on 0 points each.[reference:43]

Q2: Why was the France vs Iraq match suspended?

A2: The match was suspended at half-time due to severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning strikes in the Philadelphia area. It is the first time a World Cup match has been suspended due to weather.[reference:44]

Q3: How many World Cup goals has Kylian Mbappé scored?

A3: Kylian Mbappé has scored 14 World Cup goals, placing him joint-third on the all-time scoring list alongside Gerd Müller. He trails only Ronaldo (15) and Miroslav Klose (16).[reference:45]

Q4: Who is France's all-time top goalscorer?

A4: Kylian Mbappé is France's all-time top goalscorer with 58 international goals, having overtaken Olivier Giroud.[reference:46]

Final Thoughts

France's World Cup campaign is already a story of history and unpredictability. Mbappé continues to rewrite the record books, Deschamps is steering a squad loaded with attacking talent, and a weather delay has added an unprecedented twist to their group-stage journey. With Iraq still to be finished and a decisive clash against Norway looming, Les Bleus are far from guaranteed top spot. But if their second-half performance against Senegal was any indication, this France side has the firepower, depth and belief to go all the way. Deschamps' final tournament could yet end with the ultimate prize.