France will be looking to continue their strong start to the 2026 World Cup when they face Iraq at 10pm (UK time) on Monday 22nd June.
Les Bleus needed time to find their rhythm in their opening fixture, but eventually pulled away to record a comfortable 3-1 victory over Senegal. Kylian Mbappe was the star of the show, with his goals proving decisive as France laid down an early marker in Group I.
Iraq, meanwhile, face a crucial test after suffering a 4-1 defeat to Norway in their opening match. Another loss would leave their hopes of reaching the knockout stages hanging by a thread and pile further pressure on them heading into their final group game.
France vs Iraq confirmed lineups
France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele, Barcola; Mbappe.
Iraq (4-2-3-1): Basil; Ali, Tahseen, Hashem, Doski; Ismaeel, Al-Ammari; Bayesh Iqbal, Qasem; Hussein.
- Bet £10 get £30
- Excellent Football Betting Options
- Extensive Bet-Builder
- Multi-Award Winning Bookmaker
New customers can sign up using bonus code SQUAWKA365, bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration Required. This code is for marketing and tracking purposes only. #Ad.
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.
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets with Bet365
Not signed up to bet365 yet? Here's how to claim one of the best bookmaker welcome offers around...
- Open an account (here's a link)
- Make a qualifying deposit of between £5* and £10*
- Claim the offer to receive three times your deposit in 'Free Bets'.
- To release your 'Free Bets', place qualifying bets to the value of your qualifying deposit and allow those bets to settle.
- Your 'Free Bets' will become available shortly after your qualifying bets have settled
- To use your 'Free Bets', select 'Use bet credits' in the bet slip.
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
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.
Read more:
