Preview: France vs Iraq | Latest news, line-ups, absences (22/06/2026)
Preview, team news, head to head, probable line ups and where to watch France vs Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026
On Monday 22 June at 22:00 BST, France take on Iraq in the second round of group stage games at the 2026 World Cup. The French got off to one of the most impressive starts at the tournament, dispatching a talented Senegal side 3-1 and as one of the favourites to lift the trophy, they will be expected to win even more emphatically against an unfancied Iraq side.
Iraq are coming off the back of a 4-1 defeat to Norway in their opening game and will know that another defeat could end any hopes of reaching the knockout stages. However, Graham Arnoldās side will be buoyed by the fact they were able to level the game after conceding first against the Norwegians and know that there is no expectation on them to get anything out of the game against France.
Latest news: absences, form, team news
Kylian MbappĆ©ās two goals against Senegal made him Franceās all-time top goalscorer, overtaking Olivier Giroud, and the Real Madrid forward will be hungry for more. The 27-year-old will have the Golden Boot race in the back of his mind and know that the Iraq game could be a huge opportunity to pad his stat sheet, especially with fellow top-scorer hopefuls Lionel Messi and Harry Kane already off the mark themselves.
While morale in the Iraq camp may have taken a hit after an Erling Haaland-inspired Norway put four past them, they donāt have to look too far back for the last time they caused an upset against a top nation. Earlier this month, the Lions of Mesopotamia shocked Spain by holding them to a 1-1 draw in a warm-up friendly in A CoruƱa.
France
World Cup favourites France have a couple of defensive concerns ahead of this game with doubts surrounding William Saliba and Malo Gusto. Saliba came into the tournament with a back complaint and Deschamps admitted his minutes would need to be managed.
Meanwhile, Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto picked up an ankle knock in training after a strong challenge from teammate Lucas Digne. Jules KoundƩ got the nod over Gusto in the Senegal game, but the Barcelona defender has been carrying a muscular complaint of his own.
Iraq
Iraq have had a few injury concerns as well and there is mixed news on that front for Arnold. Ali Jasim is back in training and expected to be available, but Mohanad Ali is awaiting further tests after picking up an injury in training.
France vs Iraq H2H: Head-to-head stats
In another first brought to you by the 2026 World Cup, this will be the first time that France and Iraq have played against each other at this level.
Predicted line-ups
Iraqās team is likely to remain unchanged, fitness depending, but France may look to rotate in one or two positions with an eye on the Norway game.
Tactical analysis: can Iraq weather the storm?
Scoring four goals on 2.52 xG may have slightly flattered Norway, but Iraq will need to be tighter at the back to avoid defeat against the French. We can expect them to sit deep and try to avoid Franceās pacy attackers having space to exploit in behind.
Iraq will have seen the low block of Cape Verde and the counter-attacking of DR Congo cause problems for Spain and Portugal respectively and may see a model to follow there. It would be a huge surprise if they can frustrate the talent at Deschampsā disposal for 90 minutes, however.
Key players to watch
Franceās array of attacking options will provide plenty of concerns for Iraq but the main man is MbappĆ©, while Arnold will hope his own talisman, Aymen Hussein, can deliver again.
Kylian MbappƩ (France)
With his eyes on the Golden Boot, Franceās record goal scorer will be disappointed if he doesnāt get on the scoresheet on Monday.
With regular service from the likes of Olise and Cherki, it would be a surprise if the Real Madrid striker did not get on the scoresheet. As the odds on MbappƩ to score against Iraq are very low, backing him to get over two goals would provide more value.
Aymen Hussein (Iraq)
After rising well to head home powerfully against Norway to equalise, Hussein will be hoping to make it two in two. His presence at set pieces could be vital to Iraqās chances.
Where to watch France vs Iraq in the UK and Ireland
France vs Iraq kicks off at 22:00 BST on Monday, 22 June at Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Stadium) and viewers in the UK can watch the game live on BBC One and on the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport Website.
Meanwhile, football fans in the Republic of Ireland will find coverage on RTĆ2 and RTĆ Player.Ā
Market insights and probability predictions
France are overwhelming favourites for this Group I clash, with current markets giving Didier Deschamps’ side a 79% chance of victory. Iraq are rated at 8%, while the draw is assigned a 13% probability, reflecting the significant gap between the two nations in terms of squad depth and tournament expectations.
Goals are expected, with markets suggesting a 64% chance of over 2.5 goals and a 53% probability of both teams scoring. A 3-1 France victory is among the more popular correct score selections, while Kylian MbappĆ© is expected to attract the most interest in the goalscorer markets after finding the net twice in France’s opening win over Senegal.
