France Match Preview
France get Philadelphia next, with Iraq waiting after the opening win.
France vs Iraq is pre-match before the June 22, 2026 World Cup group game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with kickoff at 5:00 p.m. UTC-4. France already have the 3-1 Senegal win in hand, so this second Group I match is about making the table feel settled before Norway.
The score is still to come, but France arrive with the opener already banked.
France can make this week feel a lot calmer if they handle Iraq in Philadelphia. The Senegal match gave them the first three points and a second-half lift, but Group I is not finished business. The useful work now is sharper from the start, cleaner around the box, and no late scramble before Norway.
Lincoln Financial Field gives this one a different edge from the opener. MetLife was about getting started. Philadelphia is about proving the first win was not just a response after halftime, but the beginning of a group rhythm France can trust.
Iraq can make patience matter
The danger for France is a match that stays narrow long enough to get awkward. Iraq do not need to chase the night early. France need the ball speed, the fullback timing, and the first wave of pressure to be good enough that the match does not become a test of forced shots.
The previous result gives France room, but it also raises the standard. Kylian Mbappe's second-half goals against Senegal changed the opener. Against Iraq, the better version is not waiting for one burst to fix the evening.
France vs Iraq, June 22 at 5:00 p.m. UTC-4, Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. France beat Senegal 3-1 in their opener and finish Group I against Norway on June 26.
What matters next
The France schedule page now puts Iraq first while keeping the Senegal final report and preview in the match timeline.
For the wider tournament route, keep the France team hub and France squad page close alongside this match page.
Matchday Timeline