France vs Iraq — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 2
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026France take on Iraq in Group I, with Didier Deschamps' star-studded side overwhelming favourites against the Lions of Mesopotamia.
France's attacking strength is formidable, led by captain Kylian Mbappe and supported by the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, with Aurelien Tchouameni screening the back four. Graham Arnold's Iraq are organised and committed, built to defend deep and look for moments through Aymen Hussein and Ali Al-Hamadi.
France will expect to control proceedings and create chances at will. Iraq's challenge is to stay disciplined, keep the score down and frustrate one of the tournament's heavyweights.
Key storylines
- 01Kylian Mbappe leading a French side brimming with attacking talent.
- 02Iraq's disciplined defensive approach under Graham Arnold.
- 03France's depth in wide areas through Dembele and Olise.
Prediction
France 3-0 Iraq
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
France
Formation 4-3-3- 1M. Maignan
- 2J. Kounde
- 3I. Konate
- 4D. Upamecano
- 5T. Hernandez
- 6A. Tchouameni
- 7M. Kone
- 8A. Rabiot
- 9O. Dembele
- 10Kylian Mbappe
- 11M. Olise
Iraq
Formation 4-2-3-1- 1Jalal Hassan Hachim
- 2Merchas Doski
- 3Rebin Solaka
- 4Zayed Tahseen
- 5Hussein Ali
- 6Amir Al Ammari
- 7Ibraheem Bayesh
- 8Zidane Iqbal
- 9Kevin Yakob
- 10Ali Al Hamadi
- 11Aymen Hussein
Team news
France
- Kylian Mbappe captains and leads the French attack.
- Aurelien Tchouameni anchors midfield.
Iraq
- Aymen Hussein expected to lead the Iraqi attack.
- Iraq likely to defend deep and counter.
Sources
Preview is editorial. Projected lineups are not confirmed team sheets.
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