France vs Iraq World Cup 2026 Group I clash in Philadelphia

Iraq, ranked 60th by FIFA and making its first World Cup appearance in 40 years, lost its opening group match 4‑1 to Norway. The team will face second‑seeded France in the second Group I fixture, a match scheduled for 4 p.m. local time (10 a.m. UK) at Philadelphia Stadium in the United States.

France, fresh from a 3‑1 victory over Senegal and led by Kylian Mbappé, who scored twice in the opening game, aim to secure maximum points before their final group match against Norway. Odds favor a comfortable French win, with bookmakers listing France at 1/14 and Iraq at 25/1. The encounter also carries a potential weather factor, as storms are forecast for Philadelphia that evening.

Both teams will look to improve their standing: Iraq seeks its first points in the tournament, while France aims to maintain its unbeaten run of 14 consecutive international matches and stay on course for the knockout stage.