France, after beating Senegal in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will look to continue their form against Iraq in their Group I match in Philadelphia on Monday.
However, The Blues will be without one of its star strikers Antoine Griezmann for the showpiece.
The 35-year-old, who scored 44 goals in 137 appearances for France, had announced his retirement from international football in September 2024.
The 2024 European Championship was the last tournament that the French talisman played. He was a central cog in the France team during the 2016 Euro campaign, where it reached the final and World Cup victory in Russia two years later.
However, France still have a powerful attacker ushered in by Kylian Mbappe and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele. With Michael Olise and Desire Doue emerging and playing on both wings, France remains one of the strongest contenders to bid for the trophy.
Published on June 16, 2026
