Iraq to face France in second 2026 World Cup group match in Philadelphia

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's national football team will take on France on Thursday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia in their second group-stage match of the 2026 World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iraq enters the game without a point and at the bottom of the group after a 4-1 loss to Norway. Coach Graham Arnold, an Australian, held a technical meeting with the squad at their training camp in West Virginia following the Norway defeat, focusing on defensive organization and correcting errors in the goalkeeping area. Forward Ali Jasim is undergoing medical assessment for an injury, while player Ibrahim Bayesh said the team delivered a strong first half and apologized to fans. Former international Hadi Ahmed said the marking applied to Norwegian striker Haaland was insufficient and that midfield control was lost. France leads the group on three points after beating Senegal 3-1. For Iraq to advance, the team needs a draw against France and a win over Senegal. Iraq dropped three places to 60th in the latest FIFA rankings.