France vs Iraq - World Cup

A fascinating World Cup chapter awaits on June 22, 2026 when France take on Iraq at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Just as was the case in the previous meeting between the teams in April of last year, when Emery's side gave them such a scare in the Champions League tie at Villa Park, PSG were hanging on at the end.

Both France and Iraq will be eager to build momentum when they meet in World Cup. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. Iraq will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. The position of goalkeeper is vital in Fantasy Premier League.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. France will look to impose their style on home soil, while Iraq are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. After the loss, a lot of questions began to be raised about their different approach to preparing for the game.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Manzambi becomes Villa's first signing of the summer, with the Europa League holders also closing in on a £38m deal for Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. With positions in the World Cup table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. The club are understood to favour a profile closer to Aurelien Tchouameni or a Premier League‑proven alternative rather than Manu Kone.