France sidelines Tchouaméni for group match against Iraq at 2026 World Cup

Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni missed the start of France’s second Group I match against Iraq at the 2026 World Cup. After playing the full 90 minutes in the opening 3‑1 win over Senegal, the Real Madrid player was left out of the lineup, with coach Didier Deschamps saying the decision was related to a minor knock and squad rotation rather than a serious injury. Tchouaméni was unable to train with the squad in the build‑up and was kept on stationary bike work and physiotherapy, prompting no cause for concern according to Deschamps.

Manu Koné, who started in the midfield alongside Adrien Rabiot, replaced Tchouaméni for the Iraq game. The French side are expected to advance from the group and Tchouaméni could return for the final group match against Norway, where he is likely to resume his role in the double‑pivot midfield.

The incident highlights France’s careful management of its midfield resources ahead of the knockout stages, with other options such as N'Golo Kanté and Warren Zaïre‑Emery also available if needed.