France meet Iraq in a crunch Group I encounter at the 2026 World Cup this Monday evening, and the official team sheets have confirmed that Mike Maignan, Adrien Rabiot and Manu Koné will all retain their places from the opening win over Senegal. The match is due to kick off at 10pm BST (5pm local time) at Philadelphia Stadium, though weather conditions may yet cause a delay.
France Team News
AC Milan goalkeeper and vice-captain Mike Maignan continues between the posts, while club teammate Adrien Rabiot lines up in midfield once more. Having delivered the assist for Bradley Barcola’s strike against Senegal, Rabiot will be expected to pull the strings again. This time he is joined by AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné, who replaces Aurélien Tchouaméni in the engine room. The 25-year-old Koné, known for his tireless running and progressive passing, makes his second World Cup appearance and offers a combative edge. Kylian Mbappé captains the side and will lead the attack, fresh from a brace in the first game. Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram remains on the bench, still waiting for his first minutes of the tournament.
Iraq’s Challenge
Iraq are looking to bounce back from a heavy 4-1 defeat to Norway in their group opener. Striker Aymen Hussein gave the Lions of Mesopotamia a brief lifeline with a well-taken equaliser, but defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed. Facing a France side that clicked into gear in the second half against Senegal, Iraq will need a significantly improved performance to avoid another damaging loss. Their game plan will likely centre on absorbing pressure and hitting on the break.
Weather Worries
One major talking point ahead of the game is the threat of severe thunderstorms in the Philadelphia area. Stadium organisers have already issued warnings about potential delays to gate openings and kick-off. This is one of the persistent criticisms of hosting a World Cup in North America during peak lightning season. Hydration breaks have already been a feature of the tournament, but a full-blown electrical storm could disrupt the schedule. FIFA officials will monitor the conditions and make a final decision shortly before the scheduled start.
How to Watch
With the tournament spread across three host nations, broadcast rights vary by territory. At the time of writing, specific TV channels and live streams for France vs Iraq have not been fully confirmed. UK viewers should check the BBC or ITV schedules, while fans in the USA can usually find matches on FOX, Telemundo, or fuboTV. For other regions, including France and the Middle East, the official FIFA broadcast partners will provide coverage. Visit the FIFA website or check local listings for the most up-to-date information. Kick-off is at 10pm BST (23:00 CEST, 5pm ET, 7am AEST).
Key Takeaways
- France ring the changes in midfield with Manu Koné starting over Aurélien Tchouaméni, adding fresh energy.
- Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot continue as vital Serie A representatives from AC Milan.
- Kylian Mbappé hunts more World Cup goals as he closes in on Lionel Messi’s all-time record.
- Severe thunderstorm warnings could lead to a delayed kick-off or interruptions.
- Iraq must tighten up defensively after their 4-1 mauling by Norway.
Quick Facts
Fixture: France vs Iraq (Group I)
Date: Monday, 22 June 2026
Kick-off: 10pm BST (23:00 CEST, 5pm local time)
Venue: Philadelphia Stadium, United States
Broadcast: Not yet confirmed for all territories
Head-to-head: First competitive meeting between the two nations