France look to secure qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 when they face Iraq in a crucial Group B clash at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia.

Les Bleus opened their campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over Senegal, while Iraq suffered a difficult 4-1 defeat to Norway. Another victory for France would all but guarantee their place in the knockout stages, while Iraq desperately need a result to keep their World Cup dream alive.

With Kylian Mbappé already in outstanding form, Didier Deschamps’ side enter this contest as overwhelming favorites.

France vs Iraq Match Details

• Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
• Stage: Group I
• Date: June 22, 2026
• Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
• Kick-Off Time: 11:00 PM (WAT)

France vs Iraq Preview

France made a powerful statement on Matchday One with a commanding 3-1 victory over Senegal.

Led by captain Kylian Mbappé, who scored twice, Les Bleus once again demonstrated why they remain among the favorites to lift the trophy. Didier Deschamps has built a squad packed with elite talent, combining defensive solidity with devastating attacking quality.

France have now won four of their last five matches and scored 14 goals during that period. Their attacking trio of Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Bradley Barcola provides pace, creativity, and clinical finishing capable of overwhelming almost any defense.

For Iraq, this fixture represents a huge challenge.

The Lions of Mesopotamia conceded four goals in their opening defeat to Norway and now face one of the strongest teams in world football. Graham Arnold’s side must improve significantly at both ends of the pitch if they are to avoid elimination before the final group match.

Aymen Hussein remains Iraq’s biggest attacking threat after scoring in the opener, but chances are likely to be limited against a French side that dominates possession and presses aggressively.

France know victory would virtually secure qualification, and they will be expected to attack from the opening whistle.

Head-to-Head Record

This will be the first-ever senior international meeting between France and Iraq.

France enter the match as reigning World Cup finalists and two-time World Cup champions, while Iraq are making only their second appearance at the FIFA World Cup and first since 1986.

Team News

France Team News

France have no major injury concerns heading into Matchday Two.

Kylian Mbappé is expected to lead the attack after scoring twice against Senegal. Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola should continue in the wide attacking roles, while Aurélien Tchouaméni and N’Golo Kanté provide balance in midfield.

Defensively, William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano are expected to continue their partnership in central defense ahead of goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Iraq Team News

Iraq are likely to retain faith in the core of the side that faced Norway.

Captain Jalal Hassan remains the experienced leader between the posts, while Aymen Hussein will spearhead the attack after opening his World Cup account on Matchday One.

Midfielders Zidane Iqbal and Amir Al-Ammari must improve defensively if Iraq hope to contain France’s relentless attacking pressure.

Predicted Lineups

France Predicted XI

Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Theo Hernandez; Tchouaméni, Cherki, Rabiot; Dembélé, Mbappé, Doue

Iraq Predicted XI

Hassan; Doski, Tasheen, Hashem, Hussein Ali; Al-Ammari, Bayesh; Jasim, Iqbal, Yousif; Aymen Hussein

Key Players to Watch

France – Kylian Mbappé

The French captain has already scored twice at FIFA World Cup 2026 and remains one of the most dangerous players in world football. His pace, movement, and finishing ability could prove too much for Iraq’s defense to handle.

Iraq – Aymen Hussein

Iraq’s leading striker scored against Norway and remains their primary attacking outlet. If Iraq are to cause an upset, Hussein will almost certainly need to be involved.

Key Stats and Trends

• France have scored 14 goals in their last five matches.
• France scored 16 goals during World Cup qualification.
• Kylian Mbappé scored twice in France’s opening World Cup match.
• Iraq conceded four goals against Norway on Matchday One.
• France have reached the World Cup final in two of the last three tournaments.
• Iraq are making only their second World Cup appearance.
• France have won four of their last five matches.

Betting Tips & Odds

Main Betting Tip

✅ France to Win & Over 3.5 Goals

Additional Betting Tips

✅ France -2.5 Handicap

✅ Kylian Mbappé Anytime Goalscorer

✅ France to Score in Both Halves

Correct Score Prediction

France 4-0 Iraq

France vs Iraq Prediction

The quality gap between these two sides is enormous.

France possess world-class talent in every position, tournament experience, and one of the most dangerous attacks at the World Cup. Iraq showed resilience in qualifying but struggled badly against Norway and now face an even greater challenge.

With Mbappé in exceptional form and qualification within touching distance, France should dominate possession, create numerous chances, and secure another convincing victory.

Iraq may fight hard, but avoiding defeat against the 2022 finalists would represent one of the biggest shocks of the tournament.

Prediction: France 4-0 Iraq