- The France vs Iraq prediction article for World Cup 2026 which breaks down form,key players and H2H meetings ahead of the clash
- The match will be played at Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). .
- The match will kick off at 0000hrs EAT on 23rd June,2026.
France will look to secure their place in the knockout rounds when they face Iraq in a crucial Group I encounter at Philadelphia Stadium on June 23.
Les Bleus opened their campaign with an impressive victory over Senegal, while Iraq suffered a heavy defeat against Norway and now face a must-win situation to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
France began their World Cup journey with a convincing 3-1 victory over Senegal. After a relatively quiet first half, Didier Deschamps’ side found another gear after the break, with captain Kylian Mbappé scoring twice and Bradley Barcola adding another as the 2018 world champions claimed all three points.
ALSO READ :Dembele, Mbappe headline France squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup
The French arrive in Philadelphia full of confidence and know that another victory could secure qualification for the Round of 32 with a game to spare.
Iraq, on the other hand, endured a difficult return to the World Cup stage. Graham Arnold’s men were beaten 4-1 by Norway despite briefly leveling through striker Aymen Hussein. Defensive errors and fatigue proved costly as the Lions of Mesopotamia conceded three second-half goals.
With Norway and France occupying the top two places in Group I, Iraq must produce a major upset to revive their chances of progressing.
What time does France vs Iraq start?
Kick -off is scheduled for 0000HRS[EAT] on 23rd June 2026 at Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).
France vs Iraq team news
France have no major injury concerns ahead of the clash. Mbappé is expected to lead the attack once again after his brace against Senegal, while Barcola is pushing for a starting berth following his impactful substitute appearance.
Michael Olise was one of France’s standout performers on Matchday One and is likely to retain his place, while Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot are expected to anchor the midfield.
Iraq will rely heavily on striker Aymen Hussein, who scored their only goal against Norway. Creative midfielder Amir Al-Ammari will be tasked with supplying the forwards, while coach Graham Arnold will demand a much-improved defensive display from Zaid Tahseen and Ali Hashim.
France vs Iraq predicted Lineups
France (4-3-3): Maignan; Koundé, Konaté, Saliba, Hernandez; Tchouaméni, Rabiot, Camavinga; Olise, Mbappé, Barcola.
Iraq (4-4-2): Jalal Hasan; Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Ali Hashim, Merchas Doski; Ibrahim Bayesh, Amir Al-Ammari, Osama Rashid, Ali Jasim; Ali Al-Hamadi, Aymen Hussein.
How they reached Matchday Two
France 3-1 Senegal
France controlled possession for long periods before finally breaking the deadlock through Mbappé in the 66th minute. Barcola doubled the advantage late on before Senegal grabbed a consolation goal. Mbappé completed the scoring deep into stoppage time to secure a comfortable victory.
Iraq 1-4 Norway
Iraq responded well after falling behind when Aymen Hussein equalised before halftime. However, a costly defensive mistake allowed Norway to regain the lead, and further goals from Leo Østigård and an own goal sealed a heavy defeat.
France vs Iraq Recent Form for both sides
France (all competitions):
- France 3-1 Senegal (World Cup)
- France 3-1 Northern Ireland (Friendly)
- France 1-2 Ivory Coast (Friendly)
- Colombia 1-3 France (Friendly)
- Brazil 1-2 France (Friendly)
Iraq (all competitions):
- Iraq 1-4 Norway (World Cup)
- Iraq 0-2 Venezuela (Friendly)
- Spain 1-1 Iraq (Friendly)
- Iraq 1-0 Andorra (Friendly)
- Iraq 2-1 Bolivia (Qualifier)
France vs Iraq Players to watch
Kylian Mbappé vs Zaid Tahseen
Mbappé arrives in outstanding form after scoring twice against Senegal. Iraq’s defensive leader Zaid Tahseen faces the difficult task of containing one of the world’s most dangerous forwards. Any lapse in concentration could prove costly.
Michael Olise vs Merchas Doski
Olise’s creativity and movement caused problems throughout France’s opener. Iraq left-back Merchas Doski will need to stay disciplined and limit the winger’s influence in wide areas.
Group I permutations
A France victory would move them onto six points and potentially secure qualification depending on the outcome of Norway versus Senegal.
An Iraq win would completely reopen the group, moving Arnold’s side level on points with France and giving them renewed hope of reaching the knockout stage.
A draw would keep France in a strong position heading into their final group match against Norway, while Iraq would likely need to beat Senegal in their final fixture to stand any chance of advancing.
France vs Iraq prediction
France possess significantly more quality across the pitch and should dominate possession against an Iraqi side still searching for defensive stability.
Mbappé and company are expected to create plenty of chances, and Les Bleus look well placed to secure another victory and book their place in the knockout rounds.
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
France national football team 2026
Morocco national football team 2026
Argentina national football team 2026
Mexico national football team 2026
Spain national football team 2026
Brazil national football team 2026