France aims to secure Round of 32 spot against Iraq

The second round of matches in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway. Tournament favorites France will take on Iraq in their second group-stage match. The game will be played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and will kick off at 5:00 p.m. local time. Canadian referee Drew Fischer will officiate the match.

France opened their World Cup campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Senegal and now hopes to take another three points against Iraq to virtually secure qualification for the Round of 32. Didier Deschamps' side has impressed with its attacking quality and enters the match as the clear favorite.

France star Kylian Mbappé scored twice against Senegal, surpassing Just Fontaine to become the country's all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup finals. The French captain will be looking to continue his excellent form against Iraq.

Iraq, competing in only its second FIFA World Cup, suffered a 4-1 defeat to Norway in its opening match. The Asian side will be aiming to produce an upset against France, earn its first-ever World Cup points, and keep its hopes of progressing alive.

The other Group I fixture will see Norway face Senegal. A victory for France, combined with the result of that match, could allow Les Bleus to secure their place in the Round of 32 ahead of schedule.

Probable lineups

France: Maignan, Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Olise, Dembele, Doue, Mbappé.

Iraq: Hachim, Ali, Tahseen, Hashim, Doski, Bayesh, Ismael, Al-Ammari, Jasim, Hussein, Al-Hamadi.