Tchouaméni, Theo Hernandez and Doué left out of France's starting XI against Iraq

Didier Deschamps is expected to field a reshuffled starting XI on Monday for France’s second match in the 2026 World Cup, against Iraq. Three players who started against Senegal (3-1 victory) are set to be dropped from the starting lineup, according to indications from Les Bleus’ training session on Sunday.

In midfield, Aurélien Tchouaméni, who struggled in the first match and remained indoors during training, would give way to Manu Koné. The AS Roma midfielder would thus play his first minutes in a World Cup.

In defence, Theo Hernandez would pay the price for his mixed performance against Senegal, where he was caught out of position by Ibrahim Mbaye on the opposing goal. Deschamps is testing Lucas Digne in the left flank, deemed more solid defensively.

Finally, Bradley Barcola, France’s second goalscorer in this World Cup after his impressive substitute appearance against Senegal, is set to earn a starting spot at the expense of Désiré Doué.

Meanwhile, Iraq approach this match after a heavy defeat to Norway (1-4) on matchday one. A victory would allow Les Bleus to secure qualification for the round of 16 as early as Monday.

Probable lineups

France: Maignan – Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne – Koné, Rabiot – Dembélé, Olise, Barcola – Mbappé (capt.)

Iraq: Basil – Ali, Tahseen, Hashem, Doski – Bayesh, Iqbal, Al-Ammari, Jasim – Hussein (capt.), Al-Hamadi