⚽️ World Cup kick-off: 5pm ET/10pm BST/7am AEST
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Tonight, Kylian Mbappé takes center stage as the captain of the French national team, showcasing his skills in a roster brimming with talent. As one of the standout players of the World Cup, he is just a hat-trick away from breaking the all-time scoring record for the tournament. Currently, he boasts an impressive tally of 14 goals in 15 matches, eclipsing Pelé’s previous record of 12 goals in 14 appearances. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has netted eight goals from 23 matches, which may evoke a hint of envy.
As France prepares to face Iraq in Philadelphia, Mbappé will mark a significant milestone: his 100th international appearance. Excitement surrounds this event, but a thrilling game requires effort from both teams. Iraq aims to mirror Iran’s commendable 0-0 draw, despite the fact that they have yet to earn a point in World Cup history, making their task daunting when facing a powerhouse like France. Nevertheless, they embrace this challenge, having endured a rigorous qualification campaign that included a staggering 21 matches—the most of any participating nation.
Under the leadership of Australian coach Graham Arnold, Iraq approaches this match with optimism. Arnold views this formidable group as an opportunity rather than a burden, emphasizing the potential for growth and experience regardless of the outcome. As they step onto the field tonight, both teams will bring their A-game, with Mbappé’s legacy on the line and Iraq eager to make their mark in World Cup history.
