Kylian Mbappe will start for France in their World Cup Group I match against Iraq today, aiming to close in on the all-time scoring record. The Real Madrid forward scored twice in France's opening 3-1 win over Senegal in New Jersey, taking his career World Cup finals tally to 14 goals. That leaves him just two behind the record of 16 goals, shared by Miroslav Klose and Lionel Messi, the latter of whom plays for Argentina against Austria in Dallas on Monday.
Saliba Battles Through Pain
France defender William Saliba has revealed he is playing through pain to be part of the tournament. The Arsenal centre-back started the opener alongside Dayot Upamecano and keeps his place against Iraq. “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.” He 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.”
France Team News
Manager Didier Deschamps has made several changes for the Iraq clash. Theo Hernandez and Aurelien Tchouameni are rested, while Jules Kounde starts at full-back. The attack features Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, and Mbappe. France XI: Maignan, Digne, Upamecano, Kounde, Saliba, Kone, Rabiot, Dembele, Mbappe, Olise, Barcola. Substitutes: Samba, Risser, Gusto, Konate, L. Hernandez, T. Hernandez, Lacroix, Tchouameni, Kante, Zaire-Emery, Cherki, Akliouche, Thuram, Doue, Mateta.
Match Details
France vs Iraq kicks off at 10pm BST on Monday June 22, 2026, at Philadelphia Stadium. The match is broadcast live on BBC. Iraq lost their opening game 4-1 to Norway.
