France
France vs Iraq lineups for FIFA World Cup 2026 remain predicted before official team sheets. FIFA usually releases confirmed XIs about one hour before kickoff. The Group I match is at Philadelphia Stadium on Monday, June 22. France can move close to qualification, while Iraq need a response.
William Saliba has carried minor fitness concerns, but he is still expected to start for France. Iraq have questions around Ali Jasim and Mohanad Ali. The selection picture points toward France control and Iraq counterattacks through Hussein and Al Hamadi.
France Predicted Lineup
France are projected to use a 4-2-3-1 with Mike Maignan in goal. Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, and Hernandez should form the back four. Tchouameni and Rabiot give Deschamps control, with Dembele, Olise, Doue, and Mbappe ahead.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Mike Maignan |
| RB | Jules Kounde |
| CB | William Saliba |
| CB | Dayot Upamecano |
| LB | Theo Hernandez |
| CM | Aurelien Tchouameni |
| CM | Adrien Rabiot |
| RW | Ousmane Dembele |
| AM | Michael Olise |
| LW | Desire Doue |
| ST | Kylian Mbappe |
Formation: 4-2-3-1.
Substitutes: yet to be confirmed.
The projected France shape keeps speed around Mbappe and enough midfield cover behind him. If Saliba is protected, Upamecano can defend higher against Iraq clearances.
Iraq Predicted Lineup
Iraq are expected to stay compact, with Jalal Hassan behind a back four. Bayesh and Qasem can work the wide lanes, while Al-Ammari and Ismael protect central spaces. Hussein and Al Hamadi give Iraq two direct outlets.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Jalal Hassan |
| RB | Hussein Ali |
| CB | Zaid Tahseen |
| CB | Akam Hashem |
| LB | Merchas Doski |
| RM | Ibrahim Bayesh |
| CM | Amir Al-Ammari |
| CM | Zaid Ismael |
| LM | Ahmed Qasem |
| ST | Ali Al Hamadi |
| ST | Aymen Hussein |
Formation: 4-4-2.
Substitutes: yet to be confirmed.
Iraq need the wide midfielders to drop fast when France switch play. Hussein can still give Iraq a useful target if the first pass out is clean.
Team News and Injury Report
France have the stronger availability picture, although Saliba remains the name to watch after minor fitness issues. Deschamps can keep the same attacking structure because Mbappe, Dembele, and Olise all fit the current shape.
Iraq have more selection uncertainty. Ali Jasim is a game-time question with a neck issue, and Mohanad Ali is also listed as a doubt. Official benches remain unconfirmed until FIFA releases the match sheet.
| Player or Group | Team | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Saliba | France | Expected to start | Minor fitness issues |
| Ali Jasim | Iraq | Game-time question | Neck issue |
| Mohanad Ali | Iraq | Doubt | Fitness concern |
| Official benches | Both teams | yet to be confirmed | Released close to kickoff |
France vs Iraq Lineups - Key Tactical Battle
The main battle is France speed against Iraq defensive distances. If Hernandez and Doue push Iraq back, Mbappe can attack the space between full-back and centre-back. Iraq need Bayesh and Qasem to track runs early.
Iraq also need clean first passes from Al-Ammari and Ismael. If France win those midfield duels, the match can tilt toward long defensive spells for Iraq.
| Role | France | Iraq |
|---|---|---|
| Primary build-up | Tchouameni and Rabiot controlling central exits | Al-Ammari and Ismael trying to slow the tempo |
| Main attacking route | Mbappe runs with Dembele and Doue wide | Hussein holding up play for Al Hamadi |
| Selection pressure point | Saliba fitness beside Upamecano | Ali Jasim and Mohanad Ali availability |
Match Details
| Key Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, June 22, 2026 |
| Kickoff Time | 5:00 PM ET / 9:00 PM UTC / 5:00 PM Philadelphia |
| Venue | Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia |
| Stage | FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage |
| Group | Group I |
| Referee | Drew Fischer |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the predicted France lineup against Iraq?
France are projected to start in a 4-2-3-1 with Mbappe leading the attack and Olise supporting from central areas.
What is the predicted Iraq lineup against France?
Iraq are projected to use a compact 4-4-2 with Hussein and Al Hamadi as the main attacking outlets.
Are France vs Iraq lineups confirmed?
No. France vs Iraq lineups are predicted until FIFA releases official team sheets about one hour before kickoff.
Is William Saliba starting for France?
William Saliba is expected to start, although minor fitness issues make him one of the names to watch before kickoff.
When does France vs Iraq start?
France vs Iraq starts at 5:00 PM ET on Monday, June 22, 2026. The match is at Philadelphia Stadium.
France vs Iraq lineups point toward France control and Iraq counterattacks in Philadelphia.
Check again near kickoff because official team sheets can change late decisions and bench options.
Read Also: France vs Iraq live score
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