Kylian Mbappe took France vs Iraq into sharper focus by scoring two goals in France’s opening win over Senegal. France now need one more result to move safely through the World Cup group stage and into the Round of 32.
Mbappe and Barcola
Mbappe became France’s all-time top scorer in the 3-1 win in New Jersey, and Bradley Barcola added the kind of quick substitute impact coaches keep replaying. Barcola scored his first World Cup goal two minutes after coming on, a useful marker for Didier Deschamps as he weighs his attack for Monday.
Deschamps is unlikely to tear up the side that beat Senegal, but the front line can still shift. Barcola is expected to replace Desire Doue in attack, while Lucas Digne is expected to come in for Theo Hernandez at left back. Manu Kone was paired with Adrien Rabiot in training this week and could start in midfield.
Philadelphia and Group I
France and Iraq meet in Philadelphia Stadium, Pennsylvania, US, on Monday at 5pm, with the match scheduled for 21:00 GMT. The game sits in Group I of FIFA World Cup 2026, and France can settle qualification with a win before the final group round.
Iraq arrive with more urgency. They lost 4-1 to Norway in their opening group game and are back at the World Cup for the first time since 1986, which leaves this match as the bridge between recovery and elimination pressure. They also play Senegal in their final group game, so the table can tighten fast if they do not get something against France.
Deschamps’ Left Side
The left side is the clearest selection call. Deschamps can keep much of the structure that beat Senegal after France trailed at halftime, then turned the match around with a stronger second half and two Mbappe goals. That first-half spell was a warning, not a problem solved, and it gives Iraq a usable blueprint even if France enter as the stronger side.
France are focused on qualification, but their opening match also showed how quickly the game can swing if the first half gets loose. If Kone starts alongside Rabiot and Barcola gets the nod over Doue, France will be leaning on the same core that finished Senegal with control, not a completely new plan. For Iraq, the task is simpler and harsher: resist early, stay within reach, and force the World Cup group to stay open after Monday.
