France Aims for Knockout Stage Tonight, Mbappé Poised for More Goals

France will aim to secure their spot in the World Cup knockout stage a round early. This could happen tonight when "Les Bleus" face Iraq in a Group I clash at Lincoln Financial Field, kicking off at midnight Bulgarian time.

This match, along with all 104 games of the 2026 World Cup, is broadcast live on bnt.sportal.bg.

Didier Deschamps' side delivered a strong second-half performance against Senegal, earning a deserved 3-1 victory. Iraq, on the other hand, suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Norway.

Kylian Mbappé was instrumental in France's success. The Real Madrid forward scored two goals, surpassing Olivier Giroud as the leading goal-scorer for "Les Bleus" with 58 goals. The only potential concern for Deschamps' team is that France hasn't kept a clean sheet in their last six matches. However, the French have consistently found the net in 14 consecutive games, scoring more than once in 13 of those encounters.

Iraq coach Graham Arnold stated he was proud of his team's performance in the first 70 minutes against Norway, when the European side led by only 2-1. He assured that even against France, his team would play for a win. However, Iraq is still without a point at a World Cup, and if they lose today, the "Lions of Mesopotamia" will become the first Asian team to lose their first five World Cup matches.

France and Iraq have never played each other before.

Deschamps is expected to make three changes to his starting lineup. Theo Hernandez will likely be replaced by Lucas Digne on the left side of the French defense, while Manu Koné will start in place of Aurélien Tchouaméni. Bradley Barcola is also expected to get the nod over Désiré Doué.

Ali Jasim was substituted in the match against Norway but has trained fully in recent days, so he is likely to start for Iraq. Ahmed Basil Fadhil will replace Jalal Hassan in goal.