France seek Iraq win to seal World Cup knockout place
France can move into the round of 32 with a win over Iraq, while Graham Arnold’s side need points after an opening defeat.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
3 min read
France can secure a place in the World Cup round of 32 when they face Iraq in Group I on Monday, Al Jazeera reported. Iraq, back at the tournament for the first time since 1986, need a result after losing their opener heavily to Norway.
Al Jazeera listed the match for 5pm Eastern time, or 21:00 GMT, with its match details naming Philadelphia Stadium in Pennsylvania as the venue. Its preview elsewhere referred to Boston Stadium, where Iraq began their campaign against Norway.
France look to build on Senegal comeback
France opened their tournament with a 3-1 win over Senegal in New Jersey, Al Jazeera reported. Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Didier Deschamps’s side recovered from a poor first half, and Bradley Barcola came off the bench to score shortly after entering the game.
Al Jazeera reported that Mbappe’s two goals made him France’s all-time leading scorer. The win put France on three points in Group I, level with Norway but behind them on goal difference.
Deschamps is expected to keep most of his team intact, according to Al Jazeera. Barcola is tipped to start on the left side of the attack, while Lucas Digne could replace Theo Hernandez at left back.
Al Jazeera also reported that Manu Kone has been paired with Adrien Rabiot in training after talks with Deschamps, raising the prospect of a midfield change. The expected France lineup is Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Digne; Rabiot, Kone; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Barcola; and Mbappe.
Iraq seek response after Norway defeat
Iraq were beaten 4-1 by Norway in their first Group I match, Al Jazeera reported. Graham Arnold’s team now face France before closing the group stage against Senegal, the Africa Cup of Nations finalists.
Al Jazeera described Iraq’s qualification route as a long campaign that included a record number of qualifiers. The team were the last to book a place at the 2026 World Cup, according to the outlet.
Ali Jasim is available for Iraq after leaving the Norway match with a knock, Al Jazeera reported. Ahmed Basil could start in goal instead of Jalal Hassan.
The expected Iraq lineup is Ahmed Basil; Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashem, Merchas Doski; Ibrahim Bayesh, Amir Al-Ammari, Zidane Iqbal, Ali Jasim; Aymen Hussein; and Ali Al-Hamadi, according to Al Jazeera.
Group I stakes and prediction
Norway lead Group I on goal difference, with France second on three points, Al Jazeera reported. Senegal and Iraq have no points after one match each.
The top two teams in each of the 12 groups advance, along with the eight best third-placed teams, Al Jazeera reported. The round of 32 is being used at the World Cup for the first time.
Stats provider Opta’s supercomputer gives France an 88.5 percent chance of beating Iraq, Al Jazeera reported. Opta puts Iraq’s win probability at three percent and the chance of a draw at 8.5 percent.
Al Jazeera reported that France and Iraq have not previously met in an international match. France have won five of their last six matches, while Iraq have gone three games without a win, according to the outlet.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.