Les Bleus seek command as Lions of Mesopotamia eye historic upset in Philadelphia
Line-ups 🇫🇷 FRA 4-2-3-1 🇮🇶 IRQ 4-1-4-1
Coach: Didier Deschamps
Starting XI
- 16 Mike Maignan G
- 5 Jules Koundé D
- 4 Dayot Upamecano D
- 17 William Saliba D
- 3 Lucas Digne D
- 6 Manu Koné M
- 14 Adrien Rabiot M
- 7 Ousmane Dembélé M
- 11 Michael Olise M
- 12 Bradley Barcola M
- 10 Kylian Mbappé F
Substitutes
- 1 Brice Samba G
- 23 Robin Risser G
- 2 Malo Gusto D
- 15 Ibrahima Konaté D
- 21 Lucas Hernandez D
- 19 Théo Hernandez D
- 26 Maxence Lacroix D
- 8 Aurélien Tchouaméni M
- 13 N'Golo Kanté M
- 18 Warren Zaïre-Emery M
- 25 Maghnes Akliouche M
- 24 Rayan Cherki M
- 22 Jean-Philippe Mateta F
- 9 Marcus Thuram F
- 20 Désiré Doué F
Coach: Graham Arnold
Starting XI
- 22 Ahmed Basil G
- 3 Hussein Ali D
- 4 Zaid Tahseen D
- 5 Akam Hashim D
- 23 Merchas Doski D
- 16 Amir Al-Ammari M
- 11 Ahmed Qasem M
- 24 Zaid Ismail M
- 14 Zidane Iqbal M
- 8 Ibrahim Bayesh M
- 18 Aymen Hussein F
Substitutes
- 9 Ali Al-Hamadi F
- 1 Fahad Talib G
- 12 Jalal Hassan G
- 6 Munaf Younus D
- 15 Ahmed Hasan Maknazi D
- 26 Frans Putros D
- 25 Mustafa Saadoon D
- 2 Rebin Sulaka D
- 17 Ali Jasim F
- 20 Aimar Sher M
- 19 Kevin Yakob M
- 21 Marko Farji M
- 7 Youssef Amyn F
- 13 Ali Yousif F
- 10 Mohanad Ali F
France arrives at Lincoln Financial Field as the tournament favorites, bringing a tactical sophistication honed by Didier Deschamps' long-term stability. With a squad balanced between generational athleticism and clinical precision, Les Bleus will look to control the tempo through the wings, forcing Iraq into a defensive shell early. The mandate for France is clear: maintain momentum to secure an early path to the knockout stages.
For Iraq, this match represents a formidable test of resolve under manager Graham Arnold. Fresh off a difficult opening result, the Lions of Mesopotamia must rely on their disciplined low block and the predatory instincts of Aymen Hussein to exploit gaps in the French transition. If they can manage the physicality of the midfield battle, they aim to turn this encounter into a gritty struggle for national pride.
Head to head
France and Iraq have never met in a competitive international fixture, marking this a historic maiden clash on the world stage. While France enters with the prestige of two consecutive World Cup final appearances, Iraq represents the rising ambition of the AFC, carrying the pedigree of the 2007 Asian Cup champions into their own quest for global relevance.
Players to watch
His blistering pace and clinical finishing remain the central fulcrum of the French attacking blueprint.
The target man carries the weight of Iraq's attacking output and serves as the primary threat during set-piece opportunities.
As the most-capped player in the squad, his leadership and shot-stopping ability are vital for keeping Iraq competitive against heavy pressure.
Fun facts
- Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia is home to the NFL's Eagles and is known for its intense atmosphere during international friendlies.
- Iraq's qualification journey spanned 21 matches, one of the longest paths to the 2026 tournament.
- France's footballing history includes two World Cup titles, first won on home soil in 1998 and later in 2018.
- Philadelphia's Independence Hall is just a few miles from the stadium, adding a layer of historical weight to the city hosting this global event.
- Didier Deschamps remains one of only three men in history to win the World Cup both as a player and as a head coach.