European heavyweights, France, prepare to face a determined Iraq side as they continue their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. Didier Deschamps' men enter the contest as overwhelming favorites, boasting one of the deepest and most talented squads in the tournament, spearheaded by their talismanic captain.
On the other side, Iraq arrives at this fixture embracing their underdog status. The Lions of Mesopotamia have shown incredible resilience to reach this stage and will look to frustrate the former world champions with a disciplined defensive block and rapid counter-attacks.
France vs Iraq Team News
With squad rotation heavily factored into the grueling World Cup schedule, both managers have critical tactical decisions to make ahead of kickoff.
France Team News:
- Manager Didier Deschamps may opt to rotate his midfield to keep legs fresh, potentially giving valuable minutes to rising stars alongside Aurelien Tchouameni.
- The defensive partnership of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano is expected to anchor the backline in front of goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
- Captain Kylian Mbappe remains the focal point of the attack and will likely be joined by Ousmane Dembele to stretch the Iraqi defense with elite pace.
- Antoine Griezmann will continue to operate in his hybrid playmaker role, dropping deep to dictate the tempo.
Iraq Team News:
- Head coach Jesus Casas will prioritize a rigid, compact defensive shape to deny France space in the final third.
- Veteran goalkeeper Jalal Hassan will need to be in top form to withstand the inevitable barrage of French attempts on target.
- In midfield, Amir Al-Ammari and Osama Rashid will be tasked with breaking up play and shielding the center-backs.
- Target man Aymen Hussein will lead the line, looking to capitalize on set-pieces and limited transition opportunities, supported by the creative spark of winger Ali Jasim.
FRA vs IRQ Predicted XI Line-up
France: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba,
Upamecano, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Thuram
Iraq: Hassan; Ali, Natiq, Sulaka, Doski; Al-Ammari, Rashid; Bayesh, Resan, Jasim; Hussein
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