After a convincing victory over Senegal (3-1) in the opening group-stage match, Les Bleus are preparing to play their second game at the 2026 World Cup. The meeting is set for Monday, June 22, 2026 at 11:00 p.m. (French time), at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, against Iraq. It is a match that could well seal Les Bleus' fate in Group I and open the way to the round of 16.

Group I situation before the match

After the first matchday, the hierarchy is taking clear shape in Group I. Norway leads with 3 points and a +3 goal difference, driven by an imperial Erling Haaland in the crushing 4-1 win over Iraq in Boston. France follows very closely with 3 points as well, but with a slightly lower goal difference (+2) after its deserved success against Senegal in New York.

Iraq, heavily beaten by the Norwegians, now has its back to the wall. A second defeat against Les Bleus would mathematically confirm its elimination even before the final group match. The pressure is therefore at its highest on the Iraqi side, which could paradoxically make this match more open — and more dangerous for a France team that will need to stay alert from the first whistle to the last.

Practical match information

• Date: Monday, June 22, 2026
• Time: 11:00 p.m. (Paris time)
• Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (Pennsylvania, United States)
• Broadcast: TF1 and beIN Sports
• Stakes: early qualification for the round of 16 possible if France wins

France: riding the momentum of its victory over Senegal

The 3-1 victory over Senegal in the opening match restored Les Bleus' confidence. While the first half was more laborious than expected, the second half belonged to a France team in control of its destiny, combining well and proving efficient in decisive moments. Young talents, alongside experienced leaders, showed a strong collective face that bodes well for the rest of the competition.

Kylian Mbappé obviously remains the man to watch. His speed, technique and instinct for goal make him a permanent threat to every defense in the world. Around him, the midfield, firmly held by the group's senior players, showed fine cohesion and an ability to control matches that Les Bleus supporters appreciate.

For this second match, head coach Didier Deschamps is expected to rotate the squad only slightly, aware that a second victory would allow France to calmly secure qualification before the third and final group game. The usual starters should therefore be on the pitch in Philadelphia.

Iraq: a team under pressure but with resources

The 4-1 defeat to Norway should not obscure the fact that Iraq arrived at the 2026 World Cup playing the best football of its recent history. Qualified through a solid Asian campaign, the Lions of Mesopotamia have players competing in major Arab leagues and a few players trained in Europe, capable of surprising opponents who underestimate them.

Their game relies on serious defensive organization and quick transitions forward. Against France, they will likely try to remain compact for as long as possible, waiting for an opponent's mistake to strike on the counterattack. It is a tactical pattern that can prove highly effective in a major world tournament, as football history has shown many times.

Despite the heavy defeat suffered against the Norwegians, Iraq managed to score and show flashes of attacking quality. Their center-forward, who scored in the first match, has the ability to find spaces and exploit the slightest defensive hesitation. Les Bleus must therefore not drop their level of concentration, even if they are leading.

A first historic duel between the two nations

This is one of the attractions of this unprecedented meeting: it will be the first confrontation in history between France and Iraq in the final stage of the World Cup. The two teams have very rarely crossed paths in official matches, making this duel a historic event for supporters on both sides. A rendezvous with history that gives even more flavor to a match already loaded with stakes.

For France, this is a magnificent opportunity to make an impression from the second match and write a new glorious page in its World Cup journey. For Iraq, it is a unique opportunity to prove that its presence in this tournament is no accident and that it has the means to stand up to, or even surprise, one of the best teams on the planet.

Prediction and keys to the match

France remains the clear favorite for this match. With an undeniable difference in technical level between the two teams and the pressure of the result resting entirely on Iraqi shoulders, Les Bleus should logically prevail and validate their ticket to the round of 16 before the final group matchday.

A French victory, even a narrow one, would send a strong message to the other major nations in the tournament. Les Bleus have the chance to confirm their status as serious contenders for the world title.

The keys to this match will be multiple: France's ability to be efficient from the opening minutes so as not to expose itself unnecessarily to Iraqi counterattacks, the solidity of the French defensive axis against the opponent's quick transitions, and the management of physical and mental intensity. The France team showed in the first match that it knows how to raise its level in important moments.

See you on June 22 at 11:00 p.m. to experience live this second challenge for Les Bleus on the road to a long-awaited third world title for an entire nation.