France will be looking for another commanding victory when they take on Iraq in the 2026 World Cup at 10pm (UK time) on Monday 22nd June.
France took a while to get going but eventually moved past Senegal with relative ease. They ran out 3-1 winners in a match that was dominated by Kylian Mbappe’s goalscoring exploits.
Iraq were on the wrong end of a 4-1 defeat to Norway and another loss here would make their route to the knockout stages almost impossible.
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France vs Iraq team news
France team news
Les Bleus head into their Matchday 2 clash with Iraq riding real confidence after a commanding performance in New Jersey.
Didier Deschamps secured a decisive 3-1 victory over Senegal on Matchday 1, with France shifting gears effectively in the second half to put the game to bed.
No injury or suspension concerns are listed for the squad heading into this fixture – giving Deschamps the luxury of having a full squad to pick from. Deschamps is unlikely to rotate much at all, however. The defence should remain the same, with Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba the preferred partnership.
Kylian Mbappé leads the line regardless and should start again, with Desire Doue and Michael Olise providing the wide threats. Rayan Cherki pushed hard for a starting role throughout the pre-tournament period and would be the most likely inclusion if Deschamps decides to rotate. Mike Maignan keeps his place in goal.
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Iraq team news
Iraq arrive in Philadelphia carrying the wounds of a brutal 4-1 opening defeat to Norway – and Graham Arnold faces real pressure to deliver a response.
No injury or suspension concerns are confirmed at this stage. This give Arnold a fully fit squad to select from, though changes look inevitable after the Norway display.
Zidane Iqbal and Amir Al-Ammari in midfield will need to protect the backline far more effectively than they managed against Norway. Those two players face an enormous defensive examination against Mbappé, Dembélé and Olise.
Jalal Hassan, with 101 caps, brings invaluable experience and leads from the goalkeeper position. Arnold will keep faith with him between the sticks. Aymen Hussein opened his World Cup account against Norway and should lead the attack again. His physicality and directness represent Iraq’s primary route back into this game if they fall behind early.
Arnold faces a tactical dilemma – stick or twist after the heaviest defeat in Iraq’s modern World Cup history. Defeat here would leave Iraq facing elimination with one game remaining. That could push Arnold into a more aggressive setup from the first whistle.
France vs Iraq predicted lineups
France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele, Doue; Mbappe.
Iraq (4-4-2): Hassan; Ali, Tahseen, Sulaka, Doski; Bayesh, Al-Ammari, Iqbal, Jasim; Al-Hamadi, Hussein.
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