- France Predicted Lineup: Captain Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise are expected to lead the attack for Les Bleus
- The match kicks off on Tuesday , June 23 at 00:00 AM EAT
- Following an opening-round big win for Les Bleus ,another win will all but confirm a last 32 spot.
France will be aiming to secure their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages when they face Iraq in their second Group I fixture in Philadelphia on Tuesday.
Les Bleus opened their campaign in style with a convincing 3-1 victory over Senegal, overcoming a stubborn first-half resistance before producing a dominant display after the break.
Kylian Mbappé stole the headlines with a brace, while Michael Olise delivered an outstanding creative performance as Didier Deschamps’ side underlined their status as one of the tournament favourites.
ALSO READ: France vs Iraq prediction: World Cup 2026 preview, team news, lineups, players to watch, & h2h
With qualification within touching distance, Deschamps could make a few adjustments to his starting XI while maintaining the core of the side that impressed in the opener.
France are expected to remain in their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, blending experience with youthful energy.
Mike Maignan is set to retain his place between the posts. The AC Milan goalkeeper remains France’s undisputed number one and will be hoping to register his first clean sheet of the tournament against an Iraqi side that struggled defensively in their 4-1 defeat to Norway.
In defence, Jules Koundé is expected to continue at right-back after another dependable display. At the heart of the backline, Dayot Upamecano should partner William Saliba, although the Arsenal defender could be carefully managed after reportedly playing through discomfort in recent weeks.
On the left side of defence, Lucas Digne could be handed a starting berth as Deschamps looks to freshen up his backline.
The midfield may also see a slight reshuffle. Adrien Rabiot is expected to keep his place after contributing an assist against Senegal and providing balance in midfield.
Manu Koné could be handed a World Cup debut, potentially replacing Aurélien Tchouaméni as Deschamps manages his squad ahead of the knockout rounds.
Further forward, Ousmane Dembélé is likely to operate from the right wing, using his pace and creativity to stretch the Iraqi defence.
Michael Olise should retain the number ten role after producing a Man of the Match performance in the opening game. His vision, movement, and ability to unlock defences could once again prove decisive.
On the opposite flank, Bradley Barcola is tipped to start, although France boast a wealth of attacking alternatives including Désiré Doué, Rayan Cherki, Marcus Thuram and Maghnes Akliouche.
Leading the attack will be captain Kylian Mbappé. The Real Madrid forward reminded the world of his quality against Senegal with two clinical finishes and will be eager to continue his pursuit of the all-time World Cup scoring record.
With 14 World Cup goals already to his name, another productive evening could bring him even closer to football immortality.
France predicted lineup (4-2-3-1) vs Iraq World Cup Group I
Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Adrien Rabiot, Manu Koné; Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappé.
France will enter the encounter as overwhelming favourites, but Deschamps will demand complete focus as Les Bleus seek another victory and an early ticket to the Round of 32.
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
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
France national football team 2026
Senegal national football team 2026