World Cup 2026: Iraq will be the final opponent for France in the group stage… and it marks a small historic moment. The French national team now knows the identity of its third group-stage opponent for the 2026 World Cup. Les Bleus will face Iraq on June 22 in Philadelphia.
The uncertainty is over: the Iraqi team completes Group I, which already includes Norway and Senegal. Didier Deschamps’ men will play their second match against Iraq at Philadelphia’s Financial Field, in a tournament held from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Iraq Secures a Historic Qualification
The qualification was decided during the intercontinental playoffs. After eliminating Suriname, Bolivia fell to Iraq (1-2) on March 31, allowing the “Lions of Mesopotamia” to make an unexpected return to the global stage, which they had not reached since 1986.
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This journey was marked by significant tensions, particularly linked to the geopolitical context in the Middle East, which complicated the team’s travel. Despite these obstacles, Iraq will indeed be present at the World Cup and is shaping up to be an opponent not to be underestimated by France.
Iraq has participated in only one World Cup, in 1986, and has never faced France in the competition. The two teams last met in 2013.
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