New York New Jersey Stadium: France will look to take another significant step towards the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stages when they face Iraq in their second Group I fixture at Philadelphia Stadium in Pennsylvania. With the group beginning to take shape after the opening round of matches, the contest presents a chance for Les Bleus to build momentum, while Iraq will be desperate to get their campaign back on track after an opening-day setback.
Didier Deschamps’ side began their World Cup journey with an impressive comeback performance against Senegal. After being held in check for much of the opening half, France found another gear after the break to claim a convincing 3-1 victory at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Kylian Mbappe once again proved decisive with two well-taken goals, while Bradley Barcola added the third after coming off the bench to ensure France collected maximum points.
Iraq, meanwhile, endured a difficult start against Norway in their tournament opener. Although Aymen Hussein briefly restored parity with an excellent first-half strike after Erling Haaland had opened the scoring, the Lions of Mesopotamia were unable to withstand Norway’s relentless attacking pressure, eventually slipping to a 4-1 defeat.
As things stand, Norway sit atop Group I courtesy of a superior goal difference, with France level on three points in second place. Senegal and Iraq remain without a point after Matchday 1 and will be under increasing pressure to keep their qualification hopes alive.
How to watch France vs Iraq live in India
Live streaming and live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 football matches will be available on the Zee5 platform and app in India. A subscription will be needed.
Live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels in India.
Key details
Date and kick-off time: Tuesday, June 23, 02:30 AM IST
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA
Referee: Drew Fischer
Squads
France –
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, Brice Samba
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Kounde, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano
Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaire-Emery
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram
Iraq-
Goalkeepers: Ahmed Basil, Jalal Hassan, Fahad Talib
Defenders: Hussein Ali, Merchas Doski, Akam Hashem, Frans Putros, Mustafa Saadoon, Rebin Sulaka, Zaid Tahseen, Ahmed Maknazi, Manaf Younis
Forwards: Mohanad Ali, Aymen Hussein, Ali Al-Hamadi, Ali Yousef
Article Source: IANS
