However, per different reports including Yahoo! Sports, this isn’t a tactical decision. Tchouameni is dealing with a minor physical discomfort, hence manager Didier Deschamps is treading carefully to avoid any major injury.

Hence, France will go with another profile of midfielder, as seen in the official France vs. Iraq lineups. Les Bleus will use Manu Kone to replace Tchouameni and play alongside Adrien Rabiot.

Who is Manu Kone and how does he play?

Manu Kone plays as a physical, press-resistant, and high-energy midfielder. He excels at carrying the ball forward, breaking lines with dribbles, and winning back possession. Defensively, he is a formidable tackler who thrives in one-on-one duels and transitions. He is a truck.

Kone plays of AS Roma in the Serie A, which is Italy’s premier soccer league. This means that both central midfielders will be Serie A players, as Rabiot plays for AC Milan. Hence, somewhat of a better chemistry could be expected today as France faces Iraq.

France’s depth gives plenty of options

Kone was the one chosen to replace Tchouameni today vs Iraq. Still, France had a plethora of options to go to. For instance, N’Golo Kante is still on the roster and provides experience.

If not, there’s also the versatile Warren Zaire-Emery, who is a prolific box-to-box midfielder capable of having plenty of mileage during a game with exceptional stamina.

The decision comes after France opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal. Kylian Mbappe starred with two goals to become the all-time leading scorer in French national team history, while Bradley Barcola also found the net in a result that put Les Bleus in a strong position atop Group I.

Despite Kante’s experience and importance to the squad, his absence from the starting XI isn’t related to injury. Instead, the French midfielder has been left out of the lineup as part of a tactical decision by Deschamps ahead of the matchup against Iraq.

Why did Didier Deschamps bench Kante?

According to the team’s lineup announcement, Kante is available for selection and is expected to be among France’s substitutes against Iraq. The decision appears to be based on tactical considerations rather than any fitness concern.

Could Kante play a role against Iraq?

Even though he is not starting, Kante could still have a significant impact on the match. The midfielder, who has scored exactly two goals for France’s team in his international career, brings defensive awareness, ball‑winning ability, and experience at the highest level, making him a valuable option should France need additional control in midfield.

With qualification scenarios beginning to take shape in Group I, Deschamps may look to introduce the veteran midfielder later in the match depending on the scoreline and game situation.

France currently sit in second place in the FIFA World Rankings. As things stand, Argentina, France, and Spain are engaged in a three-team carousel in which they constantly shuffle positions. Ahead of Iraq’s game, however, France are at No. 2, while Argentina sit first and Spain third.

As for Iraq’s updated FIFA ranking ahead of their matchup with Les Bleus, the Lions of Mesopotamia are the No. 63 ranked team in the world. In a game that could send France through to the round of 32 in the 2026 World Cup, the two sides’ FIFA rankings could undergo changes, too.

France’s FIFA ranking history

Since the FIFA World Rankings were first introduced in 1992, France have been a staple at the top of the charts. It’s little surprise considering the amount of talent Les Bleus have seen through their ranks and the fact they’ve won two World Cups, as well as reached four World Cup finals.

France’s best rank in history was first place, where they’ve sat a couple of times. Since 1992, France have been in first place four times (in 2001, 2002, 2018, and 2026). However, Les Bleus have only finished a year ranked No. 1 once, and that was in 2001. Not in 1998, 2006, 2018, or 2022, years in which they reached World Cup finals.

As for his worst rank in FIFA World Rankings history, that came in 2010, when they were at No. 27. It’s no surprise considering France’s disastrous 2010 World Cup, in which they were knocked out in the group stage and went down a rabbit hole in one of the worst national team crises in their history. Their lowest final rank, however, was a 25th-place finish in 2015.

France’s last five games

Entering their World Cup matchup with Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium in Pennsylvania, France have 1,887.11 points in the FIFA Rankings. That’s largely thanks to their recent hot streak. In their last five outings, France have won four and lost only one.

France defeated Brazil (2-1), Colombia (3-1), and Northern Ireland (3-1) in international friendlies, as well as recording a 3-1 win over Senegal in soccer’s biggest tournament. Their lone loss in this stretch was a 2-1 defeat against Ivory Coast prior to the start of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

While Les Bleus will be missing the injured Aurelien Tchouameni, the rest of the star-studded roster is fully available for selection as they look to punch their ticket to the knockout rounds with a definitive performance.

Meanwhile, Iraq are hunting for a massive upset despite a heavy 4-1 defeat to Norway in their opener. Despite a resilient first-half display, the Middle Eastern side ultimately couldn’t contain Norway’s high-powered offense, and they now face the daunting task of slowing down an equally lethal French frontline.

Broadcast details and kickoff times for France vs. Iraq have already been finalized for viewers in the United States. It is now only a matter of time before these two Group I squads take the pitch.

Confirmed lineup for France

With Mbappe will anchor the attack against Iraq, France rewarded Bradley Barcola with a starting nod following his spectacular goal against Senegal. Here is the confirmed lineup for Les Bleus:

• Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
• Defenders: Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne
• Midfielders: Kouadio Kone, Adrien Rabiot
• Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, Marcus Thuram, Kylian Mbappe (C)

Confirmed lineup for Iraq

Sparing any late injuries or disciplinary suspensions, Iraq will have their full roster available as they look to spark a miracle. Here is how the Lions of Mesopotamia are confirmed to line up against France:

• Goalkeeper: Ahmed Basil (C)
• Defenders: Hussein Ali, Akam Hashim, Zaid Tahseen, Merchas Doski
• Midfielders: Ibrahim Bayesh, Amir Al-Ammari, Zidane Iqbal, Zaid Ismael
• Forward: Aymen Hussein, Ahmed Qasem

How to watch France vs Iraq in the USA

Fans throughout the United States can catch this much-anticipated matchup live on FOX and Telemundo via standard television broadcasts.

Streaming options include Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, and Peacock Premium. Be sure to tune in for this thrilling showdown.

Can I watch France vs Iraq for free?

Fans in the United States can stream this featured matchup live on Fubo or DirecTV Stream. Eligible new subscribers can also claim a free five-day trial on either service.

Both platforms provide nationwide live coverage, allowing viewers to follow every key moment from start to finish.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

France and Iraq meet after very different starts to the tournament. Les Bleus opened with a 3-1 win over Senegal, powered by a two-goal performance from Kylian Mbappé, and can secure a spot in the knockout stage with another victory.

Iraq, meanwhile, is looking to rebound from a 4-1 loss to Norway despite showing some positive moments in attack. Facing one of the tournament favorites won’t be easy, but Iraq will be determined to keep its hopes alive with a strong result.

France vs Iraq: Predicted Lineups

France (4-2-3-1): Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Theo Hernández; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué; Kylian Mbappé.

Iraq (4-4-2): Hassan Ahmed; Ali Adnan, Rebin Sulaka, Frans Dhia Putros, Merchas Doski; Ibrahim Bayesh, Osama Rashid Al-Ammari, Zidane Iqbal, Youssef Amyn Jasim; Aymen Hussein, Mohanad Ali Al-Hamadi.

What time is the France vs Iraq match?

The match kicks off today, June 22, at 5:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 5:00 PM
Central Time: 4:00 PM
Mountain Time: 3:00 PM
Pacific Time: 2:00 PM

With a win over Iraq, France will punch their ticket to the round of 32 in the 2026 World Cup. Any other result won’t eliminate France, but it will leave everything on the line for the final matchday. However, Mbappe and Les Bleus are after bigger prizes than simply joining the rest of the teams qualified for the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup.

Didier Deschamps’ national team is after a first-place finish in the group. However, France won’t be able to secure it during their game against Iraq in Philadelphia. In order to finish as Group I winners, France must take on Norway, and only then will the group winner be decided. Although it would be deflating, a loss against Iraq would not be catastrophic, and France could still finish first in Group I.

Norway are currently first

Although France are tied with Norway on three points apiece in Group I, the Norwegians hold the upper hand due to their better overall goal differential. While France scored three goals and allowed one against Senegal, Norway put up four against Iraq while only conceding one.

Thus, the Vikings’ +3 goal differential currently gives them the advantage over Les Bleus’ +2. However, it may all be in vain, as Norway and France are set to meet on the final matchday of the group stage.

Potential scenarios in Group I

The simplest way for France to finish first in their group is by defeating both Iraq and Norway. Obviously, ending the group stage with three wins and nine points would leave France as group leaders. However, there are other ways for them to finish first, and defeating Iraq isn’t all that decisive.

In fact, France would also finish first if they draw with Iraq and defeat Norway. That’s without taking into account the other potential results across the group. There are several scenarios in which France could come out as Group I winners. Up next are all the combinations that would lead to France finishing first.

France finish first in Group I if:

• France WIN vs. Iraq and Norway
• France TIE vs. Iraq + WIN vs. Norway
• France LOSS vs. Iraq + WIN vs. Norway + Iraq LOSS or TIE vs. Senegal
• France WIN vs. Iraq + TIE vs. Norway (If France record better overall goal differential than Norway)
• France TIE vs. Iraq + France TIE vs. Norway + Norway loss vs. Senegal
• France LOSS vs. Iraq + France TIE vs. Norway + Norway LOSS vs. Senegal + Senegal TIE vs. Iraq (if France record same or better goal differential than Norway, or more goals scored)

2026 World Cup Group I table

FIFA has appointed Canadian referee Drew Fischer as the match official, putting an experienced international referee in charge of a game that could have significant implications for both teams’ hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

France enters the match looking to move closer to qualification after opening the tournament with a victory over Senegal, while Iraq is under pressure to respond following its defeat to Norway.

Who are the assistant referees for France vs Iraq?

The assistant referees for France vs. Iraq are Canadian officials Micheal Barwegen and Lyes Arfa. They are part of the officiating team led by referee Drew Fischer, who was appointed by FIFA to oversee the Group I match.

Barwegen and Arfa are among the assistant referees selected after going through a multi-year evaluation process that assessed performances in domestic leagues, international competitions and FIFA tournaments.

As assistant referees, their primary responsibilities include monitoring offside decisions, helping identify fouls or misconduct that may not be visible to the referee and assisting with goal-line situations.

Which uniforms will France and Iraq wear today?

France is expected to wear its traditional blue home kit, while Iraq will play in its white uniform. The color designations were confirmed by FIFA and the Iraqi Football Association ahead of the 2026 World Cup group stage:

As Didier Deschamps‘ squad prepares to face Iraq in a pivotal Group I clash, attention is also turning to the venue, expected crowd and weather conditions that could influence the contest in Philadelphia. France need a win to secure a Round of 32 berth.

With qualification implications on the line and thousands of supporters expected in attendance, all eyes will be on both the action inside the stadium and the conditions surrounding one of the day’s most anticipated World Cup fixtures.

What is the attendance for France vs Iraq at the 2026 World Cup?

France vs Iraq is being played at Philadelphia Stadium (known outside the tournament as Lincoln Financial Field), which has a capacity of approximately 69,000 spectators. Most of the tickets have already been sold.

While FIFA does not typically release the official attendance figure until kickoff or during the match, organizers have expected a near-capacity crowd for this Group I fixture given France’s status as one of the tournament favorites.

FIFA announced that the 2026 World Cup set a new single-day attendance record on June 16, with 281,223 fans attending four matches. Through the opening week, World Cup games were averaging more than 65,000 spectators per match.

What is the weather forecast for France vs Iraq today?

The weather forecast for France vs Iraq includes a significant risk of thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rain and strong winds in the area. Weather conditions have become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the match.

According to reports from The Sun, severe weather warnings have been issued for the region, with forecasts calling for thunderstorms capable of producing lightning and heavy downpours.

Under FIFA protocols, any lightning detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium would require play to be suspended and each subsequent lightning strike could trigger an additional 30-minute delay.

Tournament organizers and local authorities have already prepared contingency plans in case conditions deteriorate. Similar weather-related interruptions have occurred at FIFA events in the United States in recent years.

As of June 22, Iraq sits at No. 63 in the world. The team dropped three spots after a 4-1 loss to Norway, a result that severely damages its chances of escaping the group stage.

While it isn’t the lowest ranking Iraq has ever seen, facing a heavy favorite like France puts the Lions of Mesopotamia in a tough spot. Another loss could easily add them to the list of national teams already eliminated from the tournament.

Iraq’s ranking history

Playing in the World Cup usually boosts a team’s FIFA ranking, and Iraq should see some long-term benefits just from participating. At one point, Iraq climbed as high as No. 39 in the world, though that peak came over twenty years ago in 2002.

On the flip side, Iraq’s lowest point came in 1996 when it plummeted to No. 139. However, the trajectory since 2016 has been mostly positive, with the team steadily climbing from the 119th spot.

How has Iraq improved without consistent World Cup appearances?

Even without a regular presence on the World Cup stage, Iraq has managed to rack up ranking points elsewhere. The team is a staple in the FIFA Arab Cup, where it has competed since 1963 and recently reached the quarterfinals in 2025.

Strong performances in the West Asian Football Federation Championship, including a runner-up finish in 2019, have also helped keep the team moving in the right direction.

Iraq struggled to find their rhythm for most of the match, though they did carve out a historic silver lining when Aymen Hussein buried a header to score the country’s first-ever World Cup goal. With the opener in the books, both squads are already shifting their focus to the next matchday, where Norway will square off against Senegal, with Haaland in the lead, and Iraq faces a daunting test against France.

On one hand, Norway are eager to prove they have the depth and talent to achieve big things on the global stage, aiming to replicate or surpass their historic run to the Round of 16 at France 1998. With superstar striker Erling Haaland leading the attack, the Norwegians enter the match as heavy favorites.

On the other hand, Iraq are making their return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1986. Having overcome years of off-field adversity and geopolitical challenges back home, and with many players born outside Iraq, the Lions of Mesopotamia now have a golden opportunity to prove their quality against elite European competition.

With the venue locked in, weather conditions settled, and a massive crowd expected, Norway and Iraq will wrap up the opening round of Group I play following the earlier matchup between France and Senegal.

What happens if Norway beat Iraq?

A victory for Norway would earn them three vital points in the standings, potentially putting them at the top of Group I depending on the goal differential from the France vs. Senegal match.

Furthermore, a win drastically increases their chances of advancing to the Round of 32, especially given the tournament’s expanded format where the top four third-place finishers across all groups also advance.

What happens if Norway and Iraq tie?

If the match ends in a draw, both teams will split the points and sit tied in the Group I standings. If they remain deadlocked on points, goal differential, and goals scored, the fair play disciplinary system, the team with the fewest yellow and red cards, would come into play to determine the ranking.

For the final group standings, the primary tiebreaker is overall goal differential, followed by total goals scored, and then head-to-head record, meaning a draw here pushes the pressure of goal accumulation onto the remaining group stage matches.

What happens if Norway lose to Iraq?

If Norway suffer an upset loss, Iraq would secure a historic three points while the Europeans would be left empty-handed. For Iraq, a victory would be a monumental achievement, putting the Middle Eastern nation on the brink of a fairytale knockout stage berth in their first tournament appearance in four decades. It would also help Iraq improve their FIFA ranking after the tournament.

With everything on the line, both squads are locked in for a high-stakes debut. Fans are bracing for an intense, physical 90 minutes that could ultimately dictate both nations’ destinies in North America.