France vs. Iraq Starting 11: Projected Starting Lineups, Formations, & Key Information

The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with a compelling Group I matchup as France takes on Iraq in a contest that could have significant implications for the race to the knockout stage.

France enters the match as one of the tournament favorites after an impressive opening victory, while Iraq will be looking to bounce back and keep its qualification hopes alive. With valuable points at stake, both sides have plenty to play for as Matchday 2 unfolds.

Led by global stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and William Saliba, France boasts one of the deepest squads in the competition. Iraq, meanwhile, will rely on its experienced core and attacking threats to challenge one of the world’s elite national teams.

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France Predicted Starting Lineup

France is expected to deploy a dynamic and attack-minded lineup loaded with talent across every position.

Mike Maignan starts in goal behind a back four consisting of Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, and Lucas Digne. Saliba and Upamecano form a physically dominant central defensive partnership capable of shutting down opposing attacks.

In midfield, Manu Koné and Adrien Rabiot provide balance and control. Koné offers ball-winning ability and energy, while Rabiot contributes experience, passing range, and composure in possession.

The attacking unit is packed with creativity and pace. Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola are expected to operate on the wings, with Michael Olise occupying the central playmaking role behind striker Kylian Mbappé. Few teams can match France’s speed and technical quality in the final third.

• GK: Mike Maignan
• RB: Jules Koundé
• CB: William Saliba
• CB: Dayot Upamecano
• LB: Lucas Digne
• CDM: Manu Koné
• CDM: Adrien Rabiot
• RW: Ousmane Dembélé
• CAM: Michael Olise
• LW: Bradley Barcola
• ST: Kylian Mbappé

Iraq Predicted Starting Lineup

Iraq is expected to line up with a balanced squad that blends experience with emerging talent.

Jalal Hassan starts in goal behind a defensive line featuring Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashem, and Merchas Doski. The back four will be tasked with containing one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking units.

In midfield, Amir Al-Ammari and Zidane Aamar Iqbal are expected to anchor the center of the pitch, while Ibrahim Bayesh and Ahmed Qasem provide width and creativity from the flanks.

Leading the attack are Ali Al Hamadi and Aymen Hussein. Both forwards will be crucial if Iraq hopes to create scoring opportunities against a French defense loaded with top-level talent.

• GK: Jalal Hassan
• RB: Hussein Ali
• CB: Zaid Tahseen
• CB: Akam Hashem
• LB: Merchas Doski
• RM: Ibrahim Bayesh
• CM: Amir Al-Ammari
• CM: Zidane Aamar Iqbal
• LM: Ahmed Qasem
• ST: Ali Al Hamadi
• ST: Aymen Hussein

Team News & Key Absences

France enters the match with confidence after opening its World Cup campaign with a victory. Mbappé remains the focal point of the attack, while Dembélé, Olise, and Barcola provide explosive pace and creativity around him. Saliba, Upamecano, and Maignan continue to anchor one of the tournament’s strongest defensive units.

Iraq faces a difficult challenge but possesses experienced players capable of competing on the international stage. Aymen Hussein remains one of the team’s key attacking threats, while Bayesh, Iqbal, and Al-Ammari will be relied upon to control possession and create opportunities in midfield.

Both teams are expected to have the majority of their preferred starters available for this important Group I encounter.

Match Outlook & Resources

France enters the contest as a heavy favorite thanks to its superior depth, experience, and world-class talent throughout the lineup. The combination of Mbappé, Dembélé, Olise, and Barcola gives Les Bleus one of the most dangerous attacks in the tournament.

Iraq, however, will look to remain organized defensively and capitalize on counterattacking opportunities. A disciplined performance and efficient finishing will be essential if they hope to pull off an upset.

With crucial group-stage points on the line and knockout-round positioning beginning to take shape, expect France to control much of the possession while Iraq looks to frustrate the favorites and seize its chances when they arise.