France versus Iraq

Group stage Scheduled Group I
0–0

France

France arrive as 2018 champions, 2022 finalists, and 2024 European semi-finalists — the most consistent elite force of the past decade. Didier Deschamps, after twelve years in charge, is reportedly heading toward a final tournament with Les Bleus. The squad is still anchored by Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), now in his prime; Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid) and Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid) form a generational midfield; Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) provides width; William Saliba (Arsenal) and Dayot Upamecano (Bayern) lead the back. France's depth is unmatched — even injuries are absorbed without crisis. Group I with Senegal, Norway and Iraq is dangerous, particularly Norway with Haaland, but France should clinch first. The brief is straightforward: a third title in three cycles.

Iraq

Iraq make their second tournament appearance and first since 1986 — a four-decade absence ending in extraordinary fashion. Jesús Casas, the Spanish coach who succeeded in qualifying Iraq via the play-off path, has built around a young, hungry generation: Aymen Hussein leads the line; Ali Al-Hamadi (Ipswich) and Mohanad Ali provide attacking options; Hussein Ali and Manaf Younis anchor the back. The Lions of Mesopotamia famously won the 2007 Asian Cup just months after the war's peak, a moment seared into national memory. Group I with France, Senegal and Norway is the toughest possible draw — survival to the round of 32 demands a near-miracle. But qualifying was already a generational achievement; the tournament itself is a victory lap.

Lincoln Financial Field

Lincoln Financial Field hosts six matches in 2026, including round-of-32 and round-of-16 fixtures. Located in South Philadelphia, the venue opened in 2003 and is shared by the Philadelphia Eagles NFL franchise and the Philadelphia Union MLS side. Capacity for football is approximately 69,200. The pitch is natural grass, requiring no conversion. Climate: Mid-Atlantic summer brings warm-to-hot conditions (28-32°C) with moderate humidity and a meaningful thunderstorm-risk window. Philadelphia is open-air with no climate control. The city's footballing heritage runs deep — Philadelphia Union have been an MLS foundation member, and the metropolitan area's ethnic mix (Italian, Irish, African, Caribbean, Latin American communities) gives Lincoln Financial Field a multicultural supporter base that mirrors many of the visiting nations during the group stage.