CORNERFLICK
Didier Deschamps has urged France not to assume their World Cup group game against Iraq will be straightforward, saying the opposition are “not a small team” and have shown their qualities against Spain and Bolivia.
France face Iraq on Tuesday morning local time in their 2026 World Cup group stage tie and can seal progress to the next round with another win, after a strong opening display. Deschamps said changes to his line-up were possible, but the aim remains the same: take three points.
He pointed to Iraq’s 4-4-2 set-up and powerful forwards, adding that their players know their roles and retain clear technical links even when the team changes from game to game. “We will not be complacent,” he said.
Deschamps also addressed Ousmane Dembélé, saying the winger struggled in the first half against Senegal because of the opposition’s style and France’s own mistakes. He said Dembélé improved after the break, has no injury issues and will continue to regain full sharpness.
Asked about Lamine Yamal, Deschamps said Spain are stronger with the teenager in the side and praised his maturity, saying he changes the rhythm of matches and gives his team a level of unpredictability that is hard to control.