Kylian Mbappe will aim to fire France to another World Cup victory against Iraq on Monday, moving closer to the all-time scoring record. The Real Madrid star netted a brace in France's 3-1 win over Senegal in New Jersey last week, taking his career World Cup tally to 14 goals. That leaves him just two shy of the record shared by Miroslav Klose and Lionel Messi, who plays for Argentina against Austria in Dallas on Monday.
Mbappe's Record Chase
Mbappe's goals against Senegal were crucial in a dramatic Group I opener. With 14 World Cup goals, he now sits joint-third on the all-time list, behind only Klose (16) and Messi (16). A brace against Iraq would see him equal the record, while a hat-trick would break it outright. France are hoping to win back the trophy they lost to Argentina in Qatar four years ago.
Saliba Playing Through Pain
France defender William Saliba has admitted he is not fully fit but is determined to play through the pain. The Arsenal centre-back revealed he has been struggling with minor niggles for months. “I’ve had some minor niggles for several months,” Saliba said. “I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. But the coaching staff are handling it very well. The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth.”
Saliba added: “I’m not at 100 per cent, but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100 per cent either. You can’t make excuses.” His situation will concern France boss Didier Deschamps and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, given Saliba's long campaign that saw him win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final.
Predicted France Lineup
Saliba started alongside Dayot Upamecano in central defence against Senegal and is expected to keep his place against Iraq. Jules Kounde and Theo Hernandez are the first-choice full-backs. In midfield, Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot should continue as the double pivot. Further forward, Desire Doue started on the left against Senegal, with Ousmane Dembele in the No.10 role and Michael Olise on the right, flanking Mbappe as the striker.
Predicted France XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Rabiot, Tchouameni; Olise, Dembele, Doue; Mbappe.
Match Details
The match kicks off at 10pm BST on Monday June 22, 2026, at Philadelphia Stadium. It will be broadcast live on BBC. Iraq will be looking to bounce back after a 4-1 defeat to Norway in their opening Group I match.
