The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues with an intriguing Group I clash as France take on Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. With valuable points on the line, both nations enter this match knowing that the outcome could significantly impact their chances of reaching the knockout stage.
France began their campaign with a victory and have the opportunity to move closer to qualification with another positive result. Iraq, meanwhile, are searching for their first points of the tournament and will be eager to produce a memorable performance against one of football’s traditional powerhouses.
France vs Iraq Match Information
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | France vs Iraq |
| Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group I |
| Date | June 22, 2026 |
| Venue | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia |
| Referee | Drew Fischer (Canada) |
Kickoff Times
- United States (ET): 4:00 PM, Monday, June 22
- United Kingdom (BST): 10:00 PM, Monday, June 22
- India (IST): 2:30 AM, Tuesday, June 23
- Australia (AEST): 7:00 AM, Tuesday, June 23
Predicted Lineups
France Predicted XI
Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
Defenders: Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Theo Hernández
Midfielders: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot
Attacking Midfielders: Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué
Forward: Kylian Mbappé
Iraq Predicted XI
Goalkeeper: Jalal Hassan
Defenders: Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashim, Merchas Doski
Midfielders: Ibrahim Bayesh, Zaid Ismael, Amir Al-Ammari, Ali Jasim
Forwards: Aymen Hussein, Ali Al-Hamadi
Group I Standings Before Kickoff
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norway | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 3 |
| 2 | France | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 3 |
| 3 | Senegal | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| 4 | Iraq | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 0 |
France can strengthen their position near the top of the standings with another win, while Iraq need a positive result to remain firmly in the qualification race.
Match Preview
France arrive as one of the tournament favorites thanks to a squad packed with elite talent across every position. The attacking threat of Kylian Mbappé, combined with the creativity of Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, makes Les Bleus one of the most dangerous teams in the competition.
Defensively, France possess a strong backbone featuring William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, and goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Their blend of experience and quality gives them confidence heading into this encounter.
For Iraq, this match presents a major opportunity to test themselves against world-class opposition. The Lions of Mesopotamia showed determination in their opening fixture despite suffering defeat and will look to build on that performance. Players such as Aymen Hussein, Ali Jasim, and Ali Al-Hamadi will be crucial if Iraq are to create chances and challenge the French defense.
An organized defensive display and efficient finishing on counterattacks could be Iraq’s best route to securing a valuable result.
Head-to-Head Record
This will be the first-ever meeting between France and Iraq in an official international match. With no previous encounters between the two nations, both teams enter the fixture without historical results to draw upon.
Where to Watch France vs Iraq
| Country | Broadcaster |
|---|---|
| United States | FOX One, FuboTV |
| United Kingdom | BBC One |
| Canada | TSN |
| Argentina | TyC Sports, Televisión Pública |
| Austria | ORF ON, SRF Zwei |
Fans around the world can also follow live score updates, match statistics, key moments, and post-match reaction throughout the game.
Live Score Updates
Stay tuned for live score updates, goals, cards, substitutions, and major match events as France and Iraq battle for crucial Group I points in the FIFA World Cup 2026.