France meet Iraq in key Group I clash

France and Iraq meet at the New Jersey Stadium in New York on Tuesday morning in the opening match of the second round in Group I at the 2026 World Cup.

Group I also includes Senegal and Norway, who play later in the day in a match that could shape the early standings.

France opened with a 3-0 win over Senegal. Iraq lost 4-1 to Norway in its first match, a difficult start against an opponent with several established names in European football.

France again bring the stronger squad on paper, with Kylian Mbappe the main threat in attack and Antoine Griezmann offering creativity and experience. In midfield, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga give France balance and control.

Iraq will look to stay organised and use its work rate and collective play to stay in the game. Aymen Hussein leads the attack, with Ali Jasim providing youth and technical quality and Amir Al Amri offering experience in midfield.

The fixture is likely to be physical and tactical, but France enter it as the side expected to take the points.