France vs Iraq: can the Iraqis stop one of the tournament favorites? - 23.06.2026
In the second round of Group I at the 2026 World Cup, France will face Iraq. On paper, this is one of the most predictable matchups of the day, but World Cups have long taught us that no one can afford to underestimate their opponent.
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The French started the tournament exactly as expected from one of the main title contenders. In the opening match, the team confidently dispatched Senegal with a 3-1 victory. Didier Deschamps' squad controlled the tempo for most of the game, created plenty of dangerous chances, and showed they were in top form right from the opening days of the tournament.
Iraq, in contrast, had a rough start. A 1-4 defeat to Norway seriously complicated their tournament prospects. Now, any further slip could end their hopes of reaching the knockout stage, so against France, Iraq will have to play much more bravely than they might have planned before the championship began.
For France, this match is a prime opportunity to virtually secure a place in the next round. Six points from two matches would allow them to approach the final group game against Norway with little pressure. That’s why it’s unlikely the favorites will show any signs of complacency.
France’s main strength is their squad depth. Even if the stars aren’t having their best game, there are always players ready to change the course of the match with individual brilliance. Additionally, France are traditionally lethal on quick transitions from defense to attack, and the space around Iraq’s goal is sure to open up.
Iraq, meanwhile, face a monumental challenge. After conceding four goals to Norway, their defense will be put through an even sterner test. To dream of a shock, the team will need to be nearly flawless: remain disciplined without the ball, make the most of rare counterattacks, and avoid mistakes near their own penalty area.
The intrigue here is less about the result and more about how convincingly France can assert their superiority. If the favorites score early, the game could open up and become high-scoring. But if Iraq can hold out and keep the score level for a long time, the tension will only build.
In any case, the French enter this match as overwhelming favorites. In terms of squad quality, experience, and overall level, the gulf between these teams is simply too wide to ignore.
Prediction: total goals over 3.5.
Probable lineups:
- France: Maignan, Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne, Koné, Rabiot, Olise, Dembélé, Barcola, Mbappé.
- Iraq: Hassan, Doski, Hashem, Tahseen, Ali, Jasim, Iqbal, Al-Ammari, Bayesh, Al-Hamadi, Hussein.
