France is preparing minimal changes against Iraq as the knockout position beckons

France is expected to make only minor adjustments rather than wholesale changes when they face Iraq in their second World Cup Group I match on Monday, with coach Didier Deschamps keen to maintain the momentum and move closer to the knockout stages.

Les Bleus opened their campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal in New York, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice. Another win in Boston would secure their place in the last 32.

Deschamps has often preferred stability at major tournaments and is unlikely to deviate from that approach despite the wealth of talent at his disposal.

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France, defensively vulnerable at times against Senegal, found themselves in a different competition after the break and the coach appears reluctant to tamper with the balance of a side that is among the favorites for the title.

The most likely changes are expected on the left flank, with Bradley Barcola replacing Desire ‌Doue in attack and Lucas Digne lining up to replace Theo Hernandez at left back.

Midfield adjustment

Another adjustment could take place in midfield.

Deschamps has held lengthy talks with Manu Koné in recent days, and the 25-year-old was linked with Adrien Rabiot in training this week, suggesting he could be given a starting role.

Elsewhere, France are expected to retain the backbone that impressed against Senegal, with Mbappe leading an attack that also features Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele.

While qualification remains the immediate goal, the match also offers Deschamps the opportunity to test alternatives ahead of the knockout rounds, without disrupting the team’s rhythm.

Iraq suffered a 4-1 defeat to Norway in their opening match and need a positive result to keep their hopes of progress alive. They face a daunting task against a France side that has reached the last two World Cup finals and appears determined to avoid early trouble in the United States.

However, Les Bleus will not be complacent.

«We watched some videos of their match against Norway and I think they have a good team,» center back William Saliba, who has been battling back pain, told a news conference on Saturday.

“It won’t be easy, even if people think that because we are playing against Iraq we will automatically get the three points.”

Published on June 21, 2026