The French team returns to the pitch this Monday, June 22, 2026 (kick-off at 11 p.m. Paris time) for their second World Cup match, against Iraq. After a convincing start – a 3-1 victory against Senegal on June 16 – Didier Deschamps' men approach this encounter from a position of strength: bookmakers and statistical models credit Les Bleus with around a 91% chance of victory, compared to 2% for Iraq and 6.5% for a draw.
A spot in the round of 32 within reach
A victory would offer France a near-certain ticket to the round of 32 of the tournament, expanded to 48 teams, before the group's showdown against Norway scheduled for June 26. However, the coach, true to his cautious approach, refuses to underestimate an opponent he refrains from calling a 'small team.' This is a logical stance given that the expanded format of the World Cup has already led to numerous surprises in the early stages.
Mbappé in captain mode
Kylian Mbappé, captain and offensive leader of Les Bleus, promised before the match to give the "best possible image" of his country. The message is all the more scrutinized as the tournament is being played under grueling climatic conditions, which have necessitated the introduction of regulatory cooling breaks, now genuine coaching moments where the staff can adjust their tactical choices.
Climate, a factor in the World Cup
The climatic context weighs on the entire tournament: hydration breaks, managing players' physical condition, and tactical adaptation are now an integral part of the equation for coaches. For France, the stakes are twofold: confirm qualification as quickly as possible and preserve key players for the knockout stages, where the succession of matches in the heat will pose an additional challenge.
What the probable lineup suggests
Didier Deschamps is expected to continue with the core lineup that performed well against Senegal, with a few adjustments to rest certain key players. The idea is to rotate intelligently without breaking the team's rhythm, in a match where France is the clear favorite but where the risk of overconfidence, on a pitch scorched by the heat, remains real.
Editorial opinion
Qualification is within reach, provided they do not fall into the classic trap of a match that is 'easy on paper.' Beyond the result, the true indicator of the evening will be the physical management of the squad: those whom Deschamps rests this Monday will be decisive against Norway, and then in the knockout bracket.
