France 3-0 Iraq: France wins
The opening match at Lincoln Financial Field is an opportunity for the French team to showcase their strength against Iraq, given that Les Bleus are considered superior in every aspect.
- 0'The match has started.
France hosts Iraq.
- 6'Yellow card
6th minute: Amir Al-Ammari (Iraq) receives a yellow card (Foul).
- 14'GOAL! France (1-0)
14th minute:Kylian Mbappé(France) scored (assist: Michael Olise). Score: 1 - 0.
- 26'Substitution
26th minute (Iraq): Aymen Hussein comes on to replace Ali Al-Hamadi.
- 28'VAR
28th minute: VAR decision — Ali Al-Hamadi (Iraq).
- 54'GOAL! France (2-0)
54th minute:Kylian Mbappé(France) scored (assist: Ousmane Dembélé). Score: 2 - 0.
- 60'Substitution
60th minute (Iraq): Zaid Tahseen comes on as a substitute for Rebin Sulaka.
- 60'Substitution
60th minute (Iraq): Zaid Ismael comes on to replace Youssef Amyn.
- 66'GOAL! France (3-0)
66th minute:Ousmane Dembélé(France) scored (assist: Michael Olise). Score: 3 - 0.
- 68'Substitution
68th minute (France): Ousmane Dembélé comes on to replace Désiré Doue.
- 68'Substitution
68th minute (France): Michael Olise comes on to replace Rayan Cherki.
- 68'Substitution
68th minute (Iraq): Amir Al-Ammari comes on to replace Aimar Sher.
- 69'Substitution
69th minute (Iraq): Ibrahim Bayesh comes on to replace Marko Farji.
- 83'Substitution
83rd minute (France): Bradley Barcola comes on to replace Maghnes Akliouche.
- 83'Substitution
83rd minute (France): Jules Koundé comes on to replace Malo Gusto.
- 91'Substitution
91st minute (France): Kylian Mbappé comes on as a substitute for Marcus Thuram.
- KTFinal score: France 3-0 Iraq
The match ended with a score of 3-0.
Updated at 07:48 on June 23, 2026
At 4:00 AM on June 23, 2026, Lincoln Financial Field will become the focal point for the clash between France and Iraq in the World Cup group stage. This is a crucial test for the ambitions of the French national team and their coach in their quest to conquer the World Cup.
The overwhelming strength of Les Bleus
The French team entered the tournament as one of the top contenders for the championship. With a squad of world-class players competing in top European clubs, France possessed an enviable depth of players.
Notably, France's current squad situation is ideal with no reported injuries. This allows the coaching staff to field their strongest lineup from the start, giving them an early advantage in the group.
The ultimate challenge for the West Asian representatives.
On the other side of the battlefield, Iraq arrived at the World Cup as the underdog but with a burning desire to spring a surprise. Facing the former world champions in their opening match was an extremely tough challenge. Iraq needed a disciplined defense and intense concentration if they wanted to withstand the pressure from France.
Similar to their opponents, Iraq also has its full squad available. However, the disparity in individual skill levels and experience in major tournaments is a significant obstacle that the West Asian representatives must overcome.
Tactical analysis and prediction
Based on statistical indicators and expert assessments, the French team is predicted to have a 50% chance of winning and a 50% chance of the match ending in a draw. Notably, Iraq's chances of winning in this match are rated as very low.
Match information
- Time:04:00 on June 23, 2026
- Location:Lincoln Financial Field Stadium
- Force:Both teams have their strongest lineups, with no significant injuries.
Overall, with their superior class, France are likely to take the initiative and impose their playing style from the very first minutes. A comfortable victory would not only bring them 3 points but also be a strong affirmation of their ambitions at the 2026 World Cup.
Team lineup updated at 03:28 on 23/06/2026
Official lineup
France
Diagram: 4-2-3-1
CoachDidier Deschamps
Starting lineup:
- 16. Mike Maignan (G)
- 5. Jules Koundé (D)
- 4. Dayot Upamecano (D)
- 17. William Saliba (D)
- 3. Lucas Digne (D)
- 6. Manu Koné (M)
- 14. Adrien Rabiot (M)
- 11. Michael Olise (M)
- 7. Ousmane Dembélé (M)
- 12. Bradley Barcola (M)
- 10. Kylian Mbappé (F)
Substitutes:
- 1. Rice Samba
- 23. Robin Riser
- 2. Malo Gusto
- 15. Ibrahima Konaté
- 21. Lucas Hernández
- 19. According to Hernández
- 26. Maxence Lacroix
- 8. Aurélien Tchouaméni
- 13. N'Golo Kanté
- 18. Warren Zaïre-Emery
- 25. Maghnes Akliouche
- 24. Rayan Cherki
- 22. Jean-Philippe Mateta
- 9. Marcus Thuram
- 20. Désiré Doué
Iraq
Diagram: 4-2-3-1
CoachGraham Arnold
Starting lineup:
- 22. Ahmed Basil (G)
- 3. Hussein Ali (D)
- 4. Zaid Tahseen (D)
- 5. Akam Hashem (D)
- 23. Merchas Doski (D)
- 16. Amir Al-Ammari (M)
- 24. Zaid Ismail (M)
- 8. Ibrahim Bayesh (M)
- 14. Zidane Iqbal (M)
- 11. Ahmed Qasem (M)
- 18. Aymen Hussein (F)
Substitutes:
- 1. Fahad Talib
- 12. Jalal Hassan
- 6. Munaf Younus
- 15. Ahmed Hasan Maknazi
- 26. Frans Putros
- 25. Mustafa Saadoon
- 2. Rebin Sulaka
- 17. Ali Jasim
- 20. Aimar Sher
- 19. Kevin Yakob
- 21. Marko Farji
- 7. Youssef Amyn
- 13. Ali Yousif
- 9. Ali Al-Hamadi
- 10. Mohanad Ali
