7M - World Cup 2026 Preview: France vs Iraq - prediction, team news, lineups

Group I of the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues on Monday afternoon as tournament heavyweights France face off against Iraq at the Philadelphia Stadium. With positions in the group already beginning to take shape, this matchup represents a critical juncture for both nations as they navigate completely contrasting starts to their respective world cup campaigns.

Match Preview

France displayed their championship credentials with a resounding second half performance in their tournament curtain raiser. Didier Deschamps side overcame a sluggish start to eventually sweep aside a stubborn Senegal squad with a 3-1 victory. The French frontline looks lethal and historically potent, particularly considering that six of their past eight matches across all competitions have cleared the over 3.5 goals threshold. Les Bleus have registered victories in all but one of those high scoring encounters, indicating an impressive offensive consistency. With momentum firmly on their side, France will view this second group fixture as a prime opportunity to secure their passage into the knockout rounds while fine tuning their attacking patterns before deeper tournament tests arrive.

Iraq, conversely, face an uphill battle after suffering defensive vulnerabilities in their opening round match against Norway. Despite showing positive signs during a 1-1 friendly draw against Spain in their pre tournament warm ups, Jesus Casas team were thoroughly exposed on matchday one, slumping to a heavy 4-1 loss. Their defensive record has generated concern, as five of their world cup qualification fixtures also witnessed four or more goals. The Iraqi backline faces the daunting task of containing an elite European frontline, meaning their tactical setup must shift towards a highly disciplined shape to avoid being overwhelmed early in the contest.

Team News

France will once again rely heavily on their talisman Kylian Mbappe, who is currently targeting the all time World Cup scoring record. After a quiet first half against Senegal where he registered just 14 touches, the Real Madrid forward exploded into life to score a brilliant second half brace. That double moved him to 14 career World Cup goals, level with Gerd Muller and just one behind Brazilian icon Ronaldo. Manager Didier Deschamps is expected to field a familiar core group, though Marcus Thuram and Ousmane Dembele could provide additional wide options to dismantle Iraq from the opening whistle.

For Iraq, talismanic striker Aymen Hussein remains the absolute focal point of their attacking transition. Hussein gave the Iraqi supporters a massive moment to cheer when he powered home a fine 39th minute header to briefly bring his side level against Norway. His ability to hold up the ball, physically compete with central defenders, and act as an aerial target will be crucial if Iraq hope to relieve sustained pressure and transition forward effectively. Midfielders Amir Al Ammari and Osama Rashid will need to perform tireless defensive work to shield the back four.

France possible starting lineup:
Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Theo Hernandez; Tchouameni, Camavinga, Griezmann; Dembele, Thuram, Mbappe

Iraq possible starting lineup:
Hassan; Ali, Natiq, Sulaka, Adnan; Al Ammari, Rashid; Bayesh, Resan, Jasim; Hussein

Prediction: France 4-0 Iraq

France hold a massive quality advantage all across the pitch and enter this game with their star forward firing on all cylinders. Given Iraq struggled significantly with their defensive shape against Norway, it is difficult to see them containing a relentless French attacking line over 90 minutes. Expect Didier Deschamps side to dominate from start to finish and claim an easy victory.