France predicted XI v Iraq: Bradley Barcola in, Désiré Doué benched

France face Iraq on Monday night at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Field for their second 2026 World Cup group stage. Les Bleus are firmly in the driving seat in Group I after dispatching Senegal 3-1 for their opening game. A win against Iraq will qualify France for the knock-out stage.

France national team manager Didier Deschamps is expected to tweak the team that beat the Lions of Teranga with three changes of personel. Aston Villa left-back Lucas Digne will be given his chance to impress at the expense of Lucas Hernandez. Further up the field, AS Roma Manu Koné is set to replace Aurélien Tchouaméni. The Real Madrid midfielder missed Sunday’s training session.

Up front, Deschamps will retain his faith in his four-pronged attack, although this time, Michael Olise will act as the No. 10, behind Kylian Mbappé, with Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé deployed on the right wing. At the opposite end of the pitch, Bradley Barcola is expected to replace Désiré Doué. The PSG winger scored off the bench against Senegal.

France likely line-up v Senegal

Mike Maignan; Lucas Digne, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé; Adrien Rabiot, Manu Koné; Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé; Kylian Mbappé. (L’Éq)

GFFN | Bastien Cheval