France vs. Iraq: Building Confidence Ahead of the Showdown Against Norway

by Tyler Doty

image France vs. Iraq: Building Confidence Ahead of the Showdown Against Norway
In just a few minutes, France will play their second match of the group stage in the 2026 World Cup. Following their 3-1 victory over Senegal, Didier Deschamps’s team now faces Iraq in Group I. France is aiming for nothing less than a win to secure its spot in the Round of 16 and head into the showdown against Erling Haaland’s Norway with full confidence!

A Successful Start for Les Bleus

It’s already time for France to play its second match of the group stage in the 2026 World Cup. This Monday, the French national team will face Iraq. Les Bleus enter this Group I showdown as heavy favorites. Led by the outstanding Kylian Mbappé, they could very well secure another victory, according to our France vs. Iraq prediction.

Didier Deschamps and his men got off to a fantastic start in what is a highly competitive group. For their World Cup opener, they faced Senegal. Despite a difficult first half in which they failed to make a difference, they played much better after returning from the locker room.

France defeated Senegal in their World Cup debut (3-1).

Thanks in large part to Michael Olise’s move into the center, France largely dominated the match. Kylian Mbappé and Bradley Barcola gave Les Bleus a two-goal lead in the 82nd minute. After the Lions pulled one back in stoppage time, Kylian Mbappé sealed the victory for his team shortly thereafter (3-1).

France is off to a fantastic start in this tournament. Next, they face what appears to be the most manageable opponent in Group I. In their World Cup debut, Iraq suffered a heavy defeat against Norway (1-4). Dayot Upamecano and his teammates must live up to their status and secure their spot in the Round of 16.

Didier Deschamps and his team are aiming for first place

We don’t just see France qualifying for the Round of 16. Our 2026 World Cup prediction has Les Bleus finishing at the top of Group I. First place in this group could very well be decided as early as next Friday in a thrilling showdown between Norway and France.

The French team is certainly hoping to build confidence before turning its attention to that showdown. What better way to do that than by securing a convincing victory this Monday? For the occasion, Didier Deschamps will field most of his key offensive players. We should see Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Kylian Mbappé in the lineup.

The only change could come on the left wing. After coming off the bench against Senegal, Bradley Barcola didn’t take long to make an impact. He clearly impressed Didier Deschamps and could take advantage of this to replace Désiré Doué in France’s attacking quartet.

Defensively, France needs to regain confidence. The team has failed to keep a single clean sheet in their last six matches. Mike Maignan is hoping to keep a clean sheet in a few hours! That would be the best way for Les Bleus to prepare for their showdown against Erling Haaland’s Norway later this week.