France will aim to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout rounds when they face Iraq in their second Group G fixture. After an impressive opening victory over Senegal, Didier Deschamps’ side know another three points would guarantee their place in the Round of 32 and strengthen their status as one of the tournament favorites.
Iraq, meanwhile, enter the match under pressure following their opening defeat to Norway. The Lions of Mesopotamia still have a chance of progressing, but they will need to produce the performance of the tournament to upset one of the strongest teams in world football.
Match Details
| Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
|---|---|
| Match | France vs Iraq |
| Stage | Group G |
| Venue | Philadelphia |
| Date | July 10, 2026 |
| Kickoff | TBA |
France Looking to Continue Their Perfect Start
France opened their World Cup campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over Senegal, showing exactly why they remain among the favorites to lift the trophy.
Although Les Bleus needed time to settle into the match, their quality became evident after halftime. Kylian Mbappé once again led the attack with his pace and finishing, while Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé constantly stretched the Senegalese defense.
With qualification now within touching distance, Didier Deschamps will expect another professional performance as France look to build momentum before the knockout rounds.
France World Cup Form
🟢 W
France Form (All Competitions)
🟢 W | 🟢 W | 🟢 W | 🟢 W | 🟢 W | 🟢 W
Iraq Searching for a Response
Iraq’s return to the World Cup began with a difficult 4-1 defeat against Norway.
Despite showing encouraging signs during the opening stages, the Lions of Mesopotamia struggled to cope with Norway’s attacking intensity as the match progressed. Aymen Hussein provided a positive moment by finding the back of the net, but defensive mistakes ultimately proved costly.
With their qualification hopes hanging in the balance, Iraq must now deliver their strongest performance of the tournament.
Iraq World Cup Form
🔴 L
Iraq Form (All Competitions)
🟢 W | 🟡 D | 🟢 W | 🔴 L | 🟢 W | 🟡 D
Tactical Analysis
France are expected to dominate possession from the opening whistle.
Their attacking system relies on quick combinations, constant movement and dangerous runs from wide areas, allowing players like Mbappé, Dembélé and Olise to isolate defenders in one-on-one situations.
Iraq will likely defend with a compact low block before looking for opportunities on the counterattack through Aymen Hussein and Ali Jasim.
If France score early, Iraq may be forced to leave more space behind their defensive line, creating even greater opportunities for Les Bleus to exploit.
Team News
France have no fresh injury concerns and could rotate one or two positions with qualification almost secured. Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki and Jean-Philippe Mateta are all pushing for starting opportunities, although Kylian Mbappé is expected to retain his place in the lineup.
Iraq also report a fully fit squad. Aymen Hussein should once again lead the attack, while Zidane Iqbal will be responsible for controlling possession and linking midfield with attack.
Predicted Lineups
France Predicted XI
Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Rabiot, Koné; Dembélé, Olise, Barcola; Mbappé
Iraq Predicted XI
Hassan; Hameed, Adnan, Natiq, Ibrahim; Zidane Iqbal, Al-Ammari; Ali Jasim, Bayesh, Hussein Ali; Aymen Hussein
Key Players to Watch
Kylian Mbappé (France)
France’s captain remains the player capable of deciding any match. His speed, movement and clinical finishing make him one of the most dangerous forwards in world football, and he will be eager to continue his excellent tournament.
Aymen Hussein (Iraq)
The experienced striker is Iraq’s main attacking threat. His physical presence and finishing ability could give France problems if Iraq create opportunities on the counterattack.
Head-to-Head
This will be the first-ever senior international meeting between France and Iraq.
France have consistently started recent World Cups strongly, while Iraq continue searching for their first-ever victory in the competition.
Three Keys to the Match
- Can Iraq withstand France’s early attacking pressure?
- Will Kylian Mbappé continue his outstanding goalscoring form?
- Can Iraq create enough chances on the counterattack to trouble Les Bleus?
Prediction Meter
🇫🇷 France Win: 84%
🤝 Draw: 11%
🇮🇶 Iraq Win: 5%
Betting Tips
- ✅ France to Win
- ✅ France to Keep a Clean Sheet
- ✅ Kylian Mbappé Anytime Goalscorer
Predicted Score
France 3-0 Iraq
Predicted Result
✅ France Win
Final Verdict
France possess far too much quality, depth and experience to be considered anything other than overwhelming favorites. Even if Didier Deschamps rotates his squad, Les Bleus have world-class talent across every position and should control possession throughout the match. Iraq deserve credit for their fighting spirit and will likely defend with determination, but containing France’s explosive attack for 90 minutes is an enormous challenge. Expect Mbappé and company to create numerous chances, secure another convincing victory, and officially book their place in the World Cup knockout stages with a professional 3-0 win.
