Dante Gonzalez

France and Iraq’s high-stakes Group I match ground to a sudden halt on Monday afternoon, with Les Bleus holding a narrow 1-0 advantage courtesy of a 14th-minute strike from Kylian Mbappe. As the teams retreated to the locker rooms at Lincoln Financial Field, stadium officials announced that the start of the second half would be indefinitely delayed due to dangerous weather.

France firmly re-established its status as a tournament favorite following a convincing 3-1 victory over Senegal on Matchday 1 of the 2026 World Cup. Now preparing to face Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Les Bleus are eager to keep stacking wins and solidify their position at the tournament. According to the live global tracking updates, France currently occupies the No. 2 spot in the world with 1887.11 ranking points.

France will square off against Iraq for a Matchday 2 Group I showdown at the 2026 World Cup on Monday, June 22, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. With Les Bleus aiming to put one foot in the knockout stage, whether forward Kylian Mbappe will anchor the starting lineup remains the focal point for fans and media alike. Mbappe has been included in the starting XI for the clash against the Iraq.