World Cup: France look to seal qualification against Iraq
France can secure their place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they face Iraq in Philadelphia on Monday evening.
Les Bleus opened their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal, a result that leaves Didier Deschamps’ side second in Group I behind Norway on goal difference. Another victory would all but guarantee qualification for the Round of 32 with a game to spare.
Despite France's status as overwhelming favourites, neither Deschamps nor captain Kylian Mbappé have underestimated Graham Arnold’s Iraq side. Speaking ahead of the fixture, Deschamps warned against complacency.
"It is not a small team," said the France manager. "They qualified in Mexico against Bolivia, they drew with Spain and they stood up well to Norway. They have automatisms, technical relationships between players. We have to approach this match with the same seriousness and concentration."
France were made to work for their opening victory over Senegal. After a difficult first half, goals from Bradley Barcola and Mbappé helped the 2022 finalists pull clear. Mbappé's brace saw him become France's all-time leading men's goalscorer and further cemented his status as one of the tournament's headline acts.
However, the Real Madrid forward is focused solely on Iraq. "I am not thinking about Haaland at the moment. Maybe they are thinking about us, but I am thinking about Iraq," Mbappé told reporters.
Deschamps set to rotate as France close in on last-32 place
Deschamps is expected to rotate his side after the physically demanding encounter with Senegal. Aurélien Tchouaméni missed training on Sunday, although France staff insisted there was no injury concern, and the midfielder could be rested as part of a wider squad-management plan.
The France coach hinted at several changes. "The team that played against Senegal cannot play every match. There are around 20 players who can start, so I may be led to make changes," he explained.
Bradley Barcola could be rewarded for his impressive display off the bench against Senegal, while Manu Koné and Lucas Digne are also pushing for starts.
Iraq arrive in Philadelphia after a 4-1 defeat to Norway. Despite the scoreline, Arnold felt his side competed well for large periods and remains hopeful of causing an upset. The Australian coach even joked about how to contain Mbappé.
"We'll ask if we can play with three goalkeepers," Arnold laughed during his pre-match press conference.
The Lions of Mesopotamia know defeat could leave them relying on third-place qualification scenarios, but they have shown enough attacking threat through Aymen Hussein and Ali Al-Hamadi to ensure France remain alert.
While France's quality should ultimately prove decisive, Deschamps' comments underline a clear message inside the camp: qualification is the priority, and Iraq will not be taken lightly.
Predicted line-ups
France: Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne; Rabiot, Koné; Dembélé, Olise, Barcola; Mbappé.
Iraq: Basil; Ali, Tahseen, Hashem, Doski; Bayesh, Al-Ammari, Iqbal, Ali Jasim; Hussein, Al-Hamadi.
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