France vs. Iraq at the 2026 World Cup: Kickoff time in France, TV channel, stadium, and probable lineups

In their second Group I match, Les Bleus—who defeated Senegal—can already secure their qualification against an Iraqi team with its back against the wall following its loss to Norway.

Reviewed by:

Alexandre Lasry

– Journalist

· June 21, 2026

Having defeated Senegal 3-1 in their opening match, Les Bleus arrive in Philadelphia in a strong position. A victory over Iraq would be enough for Didier Deschamps to secure their spot in the Round of 16 and, most likely, claim first place in Group I.

Meanwhile, Iraq is already facing a do-or-die situation. After a 4-1 loss to Erling Haaland’s Norway in their World Cup return following a forty-year absence, Graham Arnold’s team can’t afford any more mistakes if they want to remain in contention to qualify as one of the best third-place teams. The Lions of Mesopotamia will need to shore up a defense that was breached in Boston.

Match date and time

France vs. Iraq will take place on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. In mainland France, kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 p.m., an ideal time to watch Les Bleus in the evening. In Baghdad, however, fans will have to wait until midnight, as the match will carry over into Tuesday, June 23.

Which channel to watch France vs. Iraq on

A major change for this World Cup: TF1 isn’t broadcasting any matches. M6 is handling the free-to-air broadcasts, including all of France’s games. France vs. Iraq will therefore be free to watch on M6 and via streaming on the M6+ platform. Subscribers to beIN Sports, which is airing all 104 matches of the tournament, will also be able to watch the game.

The stadium

Renamed “Philadelphia Stadium” for the occasion, Lincoln Financial Field is hosting the match. Home to the NFL’s Eagles since 2003, the stadium—with its stands shaped like eagle wings—has a capacity of approximately 69,000, featuring open sections that offer unobstructed views of the Philadelphia skyline.

Probable lineups

France (4-3-3): Maignan – Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, T. Hernandez – Tchouaméni, Rabiot, Koné – Dembélé, Mbappé (c), Olise.

Iraq (4-2-3-1): Jalal Hassan (c.) – Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Saad Natiq, Merchas Doski – Amir Al-Ammari, Osama Rashid – Ibrahim Bayesh, Ali Jasim, Marko Farji – Aymen Hussein.