France and Iraq Lineups: Deschamps Makes Three Changes, Storm Threatens Kick-off

France will be looking for another victory at the 2026 World Cup as they face Iraq in their second Group I match. The game is set to kick off at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia at midnight Bulgarian time. Reports have emerged that the start of the match might be delayed due to a severe storm in Pennsylvania.

Didier Deschamps' squad delivered a strong second-half performance against Senegal, securing a well-deserved 3-1 win. Another three points would guarantee their progression to the knockout stages. 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 against the Senegalese, surpassing Olivier Giroud as the leading goal-scorer for "Les Bleus." Furthermore, Mbappé now boasts 14 World Cup goals, and today presents an ideal opportunity to extend his tally. The only potential concern for Deschamps' team is that France has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six matches. However, the French have consistently found the back of the net in 14 consecutive games, scoring more than once in 13 of those encounters.

Iraq is still without a point at the World Cup. Should they lose today, the "Lions of Mesopotamia" would become the first Asian team to lose their opening five World Cup matches. France and Iraq have never played each other before.

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

Deschamps has made three changes to his starting lineup. Bradley Barcola starts in place of Désiré Doué and will partner Ousmane Dembélé, who reprises his role as a number ten, and Michael Olise on the right flank. Kylian Mbappé leads the attack. Manu Koné replaces Aurélien Tchouaméni in midfield, partnering Adrien Rabiot. Theo Hernández makes way for Lucas Digne on the left side of the French defense.

Iraq's coach, Graham Arnold, has also made three changes to his squad for the crucial second match. Ahmed Basil will start as goalkeeper instead of Jalal Hassan, attacking midfielder Zidane Iqbal replaces Ali Jasim, and Ahmed Qasem is preferred over Ali Al-Hamadi to play on the left wing and support captain Aymen Hussein in attack.