World Cup 2026: France and Iraq line up in 4-2-3-1 with Mbappé and Aymen Hussein starting

Both coaches have opted for the same 4-2-3-1 tactical setup. Didier Deschamps notably starts Kylian Mbappé in attack, with the forward line supported by Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola.

For Iraq, under Graham Arnold, the attacking duo is made up of Aymen Hussein up front and Ahmed Qasem alongside him, supported by Zidane Iqbal, Ibrahim Bayesh and Ahmed Qasem as playmakers.

This meeting is key for France to confirm their ambitions before the rest of the tournament, while Iraq are looking to get their Group I campaign back on track against an experienced opponent.

Reading France’s XI

Didier Deschamps is relying on a 4-2-3-1 shape, with a defence made up of Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba and Lucas Digne. In midfield, Manu Koné and Adrien Rabiot provide ball-winning and organise play. The attacking sector is led by Kylian Mbappé up front, supported by Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola, suggesting a desire to combine creativity and pace.

Mike Maignan is in goal, while the squad includes substitutes such as Brice Samba, Malo Gusto, Ibrahima Konaté and Aurélien Tchouaméni, offering useful depth despite some notable absences in defence.

Reading Iraq’s XI

Opposite them, Graham Arnold sets out a classic 4-2-3-1 with Ahmed Basil in goal. The defence is built around Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashem and Merchas Doski. The double pivot in midfield is occupied by Amir Al-Ammari and Zaid Ismail, providing balance and defensive support.

The attacking line features Ibrahim Bayesh, Zidane Iqbal and Ahmed Qasem in support of striker Aymen Hussein. This formation aims to combine midfield solidity with an attacking threat in order to cause problems for the opposition.

In defence, the squad can also call on substitutes such as Fahad Talib and Jalal Hassan, providing options to adjust the strategy depending on how the match unfolds.