France vs Iraq Lineups, Starting 11, Bench & Formation
France vs Iraq lineups coverage gives fans the key details before the Group I fixture at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia. The match is scheduled for Monday, June 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET, 2:00 PM PT, 21:00 UTC, and 2:00 AM PKT on Tuesday, June 23. France can strengthen their group position, while Iraq need a result after the opening round.
France vs Iraq Latest Match Update
Lineups latest: FIFA lists France vs Iraq as Match 42 in Group I at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia. Kickoff is 5:00 PM ET, 2:00 PM PT, 21:00 UTC, and 2:00 AM PKT on Tuesday, June 23.
France opened Group I with a 3-1 win over Senegal. Iraq lost 4-1 to Norway in their first match. France and Norway both have three points before the second Group I window, while Iraq need a response to stay in the knockout race.
| Detail | Latest information |
|---|---|
| Match | France vs Iraq |
| Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
| Group | Group I |
| Match number | Match 42 |
| Venue | Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia |
| Kickoff | 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT / 21:00 UTC / 2:00 AM PKT on Tuesday, June 23 |
| France opener | France opened Group I with a 3-1 win over Senegal. |
| Iraq opener | Iraq lost 4-1 to Norway in their first match. |
(Philadelphia)
France vs Iraq lineups are yet to be confirmed for Group I Match 42 at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The France national football team and Iraq national football team meet on June 22, 2026, at Philadelphia Stadium, with kickoff at 17:00 ET. This projected lineup tracker covers the starting XI, formations, bench options, managers, and late matchday updates. This France national football team vs Iraq national football team lineups tracker stays projected until official match sheets arrive.
France have named Didier Deschamps’ 26-player World Cup squad, with Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Aurelien Tchouameni, William Saliba, Mike Maignan, and Adrien Rabiot central to the group. Iraq reached this stage under Graham Arnold and opened against Norway with Aymen Hussein scoring, while Zidane Iqbal, Ali Jasim, Youssef Amyn, Amir Al Ammari, and Jalal Hassan remain central to the projected pool. Official matchday lineups remain projected until both teams release their sheets.
Match Details
| Match | Group I, Match 42 |
| Kickoff | 22 JUN 2026 at 17:00 ET |
| Venue | Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia |
| Lineup Status | Projected, official match sheets yet to be confirmed |
| France Rank | FIFA #1 |
| Iraq Rank | FIFA #58 |
| Managers | Didier Deschamps and Graham Arnold |
| Squad Status | France have named a 26-player squad, while Iraq’s matchday pool is built from Arnold’s World Cup group and opener roles. |
Official France vs Iraq lineups will arrive close to kickoff. The match details use FIFA schedule information, current squad announcements, ranking notes, and manager selection patterns. FWCTimes will update the card once official team sheets confirm starters and substitutes.
France are projected in a 4-2-3-1, while Iraq are projected in a 4-2-3-1. The matchup should be shaped by midfield control, the first pass after turnovers, and how each coach protects space behind the full-backs.
Team News and Lineup Preview
The France national football team vs Iraq national football team lineups preview focuses on squad status, tactical shape, and late team news before kickoff.
France Squad Status
France beat Senegal 3-1 in their opener, with Mbappe scoring twice and Olise shaping key attacking moments. Deschamps can keep the same 4-2-3-1 base because Maignan, Saliba, Upamecano, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Olise, Dembele, Doue, and Mbappe give the side balance. France should still monitor workload because the Iraq match arrives six days after a physical opener.
The projected France XI keeps the strongest available spine on the pitch. Deschamps can still adjust one midfield role and one wide role if late training reports push him toward a safer balance. Official confirmation remains yet to be confirmed.
Iraq Squad Status
Iraq lost 4-1 to Norway, yet the scoreline did not remove their best attacking route. Hussein scored and remains the penalty-box reference, while Al Ammari and Iqbal can help Arnold play through pressure. Iraq need cleaner defensive spacing against France because loose moments around the box will give Mbappe and Olise early chances.
Iraq need a disciplined first hour before the bench becomes important. Arnold can change the tempo through wide substitutions or a more direct striker profile. The final call will depend on matchday fitness and the opponent’s press.
What Could Change Before Kickoff
France can change the left side or midfield without weakening the structure. Barcola gives Deschamps more speed from the bench, while Kante and Zaire-Emery can add control if France need a safer middle. Marcus Thuram also gives a different striker profile if Mbappe starts from the left.
Iraq can change the attacking midfield line if Arnold wants more running around Hussein. Bashar Resan and Mohanad Ali give different profiles, while Safaa Hadi can add defensive cover. The goalkeeper call also deserves attention after Iraq conceded four against Norway.
France vs Iraq Lineups Status
The official France vs Iraq lineups are not confirmed yet. The projected card uses squad announcements, current player roles, manager patterns, and tactical fit. Confirmed XIs will replace the projected view once both teams publish match sheets.
France start with the higher ranking and deeper tournament profile. Iraq still have a clear route if they defend compactly and use transitions well. The first 20 minutes should show which side controls the rhythm.
France Starting XI
The France national team starting XI is yet to be confirmed. Deschamps’s projected 4-2-3-1 starts with Mike Maignan in goal and a back line led by Dayot Upamecano. The midfield setup gives France a platform to control possession and protect counters.
Kylian Mbappe is the key reference in the projected XI. He gives France leadership, timing, and a direct route into the penalty area. The wide players must stretch the pitch so the central attackers can receive in cleaner spaces.
Iraq Starting XI
The Iraq national team starting XI is also yet to be confirmed. Arnold’s projected 4-2-3-1 starts with Jalal Hassan in goal and a defensive unit built around Rebin Sulaka. The midfield must protect central zones before the front line can break forward.
Aymen Hussein is the key player for Iraq. He can change field position through carrying, passing, or final-third movement. France need to stop his first action after turnovers.
Formation Analysis
The projected tactical picture is France’s 4-2-3-1 against Iraq’s 4-2-3-1. France should try to control central territory and move the ball before the defensive block settles. Iraq should defend narrow and break into the channels when the ball turns over.
The key zone sits between the double-pivot area and the attacking midfield line. If France win that space, they can create repeated entries around the box. If Iraq disrupt it, the underdog can turn the match into a counterattacking contest.
Key Players in the Starting Lineup
The projected France vs Iraq lineups revolve around Kylian Mbappe and Aymen Hussein. Kylian Mbappe gives France their clearest match-winning route. Aymen Hussein gives Iraq the best outlet when pressure builds.
France Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe can decide the match through movement, timing, and control of key moments. He needs early service from midfield to pull defenders out of shape. Iraq must stop him receiving cleanly around the box.
Iraq Aymen Hussein
Aymen Hussein gives Iraq their best chance to turn defensive work into attacks. He can hold the ball, carry into space, or connect with runners. France need to close him down before he faces forward.
Notable Absences
France’s confirmed matchday absences are yet to be confirmed. Deschamps has enough bench depth to rotate one attacking role if recovery data points that way.
Iraq’s confirmed matchday absences are yet to be confirmed. Arnold may review the back line and goalkeeper role after the Norway defeat.
Bench Strength Comparison
France’s projected bench gives Deschamps several ways to change the match. The substitute group covers goalkeeper, defence, midfield, and attack, so the coach can protect a lead or add speed. That flexibility matters if the opponent stays compact deep into the second half.
Iraq’s projected bench has useful profiles but less overall depth. Arnold can add fresh legs in wide areas or change the striker role if the match opens. The bench battle should become important after the hour mark.
Head Coaches Tactical Approach
Deschamps should ask France to control territory, protect rest defence, and move the ball before the press arrives. The projected lineup supports that plan because it balances possession quality with final-third threat. Late changes can add more direct speed if the match stays level.
Arnold should keep Iraq compact and use the first forward pass after regains. The underdog route depends on patience, set pieces, and clean counterattacking decisions. A loose first half would make the match much harder to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is France’s lineup vs Iraq?
France’s official lineup is yet to be confirmed. The projected XI uses Deschamps’ 26-player squad and a likely 4-2-3-1 shape.
What is Iraq’s lineup vs France?
Iraq’s official lineup is yet to be confirmed. The projected XI follows Arnold’s World Cup group and a compact 4-2-3-1 setup.
What formation will France use against Iraq?
France are projected in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Mbappe leads the attack, with Olise, Dembele, and Doue behind him.
Who is Iraq’s key player vs France?
Aymen Hussein is Iraq’s key player because he gives Arnold a target forward and scored against Norway in the opener.
When will official France vs Iraq lineups be announced?
Official France vs Iraq lineups are expected around one hour before kickoff. FWCTimes will update the tracker once match sheets arrive.
France vs Iraq lineups remain projected until both official match sheets arrive. FWCTimes will refresh the lineup card, bench list, formation view, manager notes, and schema once confirmed team news is available. Check back near kickoff for the final starting elevens and substitutes.
Read also: France vs Iraq live score.
