FIFA WC 2026: France vs Iraq live streaming, time, venue, squads
Synopsis
France, buoyed by Mbappe's brace in a 3-1 win over Senegal, face a wounded Iraq side that conceded four to Norway in their opener. A French win in Philadelphia could all but seal their Group I progress — while for Iraq, this is a must-not-lose moment. Kick-off is 02:30 AM IST on 24 June, live on Zee5 and Unite8 Sports in India.
Key Takeaways
France face Iraq in FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia on 24 June 2026 at 02:30 AM IST .
France won their opener 3-1 against Senegal , with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice.
Iraq lost 4-1 to Norway in Matchday 1; Aymen Hussein scored their only goal.
Norway and France are level on 3 points , separated by goal difference at the top of Group I.
Live streaming is available on Zee5 ; live telecast on Unite8 Sports 1 and Unite8 Sports 2 (and their HD feeds) in India.
Referee for the match is Drew Fischer .
France face Iraq in their second FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I fixture at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, on Tuesday, 24 June 2026, with kick-off at 02:30 AM IST. Les Bleus arrive in confident form after a commanding comeback win in their opener, while Iraq are fighting to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive after a heavy first-match defeat.
France's Form Heading In
Coach Didier Deschamps' side opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium. France were subdued in the first half but shifted gears after the break, with Kylian Mbappe netting twice and substitute Bradley Barcola adding a third to seal maximum points. The performance underlined France's capacity to raise their level when it matters — a hallmark of Deschamps' tournament sides.
Iraq's Difficult Start
Iraq endured a bruising tournament opener, falling 4-1 to Norway. Aymen Hussein briefly levelled after Erling Haaland opened the scoring with a first-half strike, but the Lions of Mesopotamia were ultimately overwhelmed by Norway's relentless attacking play. The defeat leaves Iraq at the foot of Group I, pointless after Matchday 1 and needing a result in Philadelphia to stay in contention.
Group I Standings After Matchday 1
Norway lead Group I on goal difference, with France level on three points in second place. Senegal and Iraq are both yet to open their accounts, making this fixture critical for both sides — though for very different reasons. France can effectively seal progress with a win; Iraq must avoid a second defeat to keep qualification mathematically possible.
How to Watch France vs Iraq Live in India
Live streaming of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches is available on the Zee5 platform and app in India, with a subscription required. Live telecast is available on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD television channels.
Match Details and Full Squads
Date and kick-off: Tuesday, 24 June 2026, 02:30 AM IST
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA
Referee: Drew Fischer
France squad —
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, Brice Samba
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Kounde, Maxence Lacroix, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano
Midfielders: N'Golo Kanté, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaire-Emery
Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Marcus Thuram
Iraq squad —
Goalkeepers: Ahmed Basil, Jalal Hassan, Fahad Talib
Defenders: Hussein Ali, Merchas Doski, Akam Hashem, Frans Putros, Mustafa Saadoon, Rebin Sulaka, Zaid Tahseen, Ahmed Maknazi, Manaf Younis
Midfielders: Amir Al-Ammari, Youssef Amyn, Ibrahim Bayesh, Marko Farji, Zidane Iqbal, Zaid Ismail, Ali Jassim, Ahmed Qasim, Aimar Sher, Kevin Yakob
Forwards: Mohanad Ali, Aymen Hussein, Ali Al-Hamadi, Ali Yousef
With France poised to consolidate their Group I position and Iraq desperate for points, this fixture promises high stakes on both sides — and could define the group's final shape heading into the decisive third round.
Point of View
Iraq are managing survival. The more interesting story is Iraq — a side that showed they could score against Norway before the wheels fell off, and who now face a French defence that was porous in the first half against Senegal. If Iraq can stay compact and exploit set-pieces, the margin may be tighter than Group I's early standings suggest. For France, the risk is complacency; for Iraq, the risk is capitulation. Which narrative wins in Philadelphia will shape the group's final round dramatically.
NationPress
22 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the France vs Iraq FIFA World Cup 2026 match?
France vs Iraq kicks off at 02:30 AM IST on Tuesday, 24 June 2026, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, USA. It is France's second Group I fixture of the tournament.
Where can I watch France vs Iraq live in India?
The match is available for live streaming on the Zee5 platform and app in India, with a paid subscription required. Live telecast is on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels.
What were the results of France and Iraq in their opening matches?
France beat Senegal 3-1 in their opener, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice and Bradley Barcola adding a third. Iraq lost 4-1 to Norway; Aymen Hussein scored Iraq's only goal after Erling Haaland had put Norway ahead.
What is the Group I standings situation before this match?
Norway lead Group I on goal difference, with France level on three points in second place. Both Senegal and Iraq are yet to score a point after Matchday 1, making a result essential for Iraq's knockout-stage hopes.
Who is the referee for France vs Iraq at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Drew Fischer has been appointed as the referee for the France vs Iraq Group I match at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia.
