France Dominate Iraq 3-0 in World Cup Group Stage Opener

FIFA World Cup — June 23, 2026 — France began their 2026 World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, sweeping aside Iraq 3-0 in a dominant display at the Al Bayt Stadium. The reigning European champions controlled the match from the first whistle, showcasing the depth and quality that makes them a strong favourite to lift the trophy.

With this result, France move to the top of Group D with three points and a healthy goal difference, while Iraq face an uphill battle to advance from the group of death that also features Brazil and Australia.

Match Overview

The match kicked off under a sweltering midday sun, but it was the French who brought the heat. Manager Didier Deschamps fielded a near full-strength side, with Kylian Mbappé leading the attack alongside Antoine Griezmann and Randal Kolo Muani. Iraq, appearing in only their second World Cup, set up defensively in a 5-4-1 formation, hoping to frustrate France and catch them on the counter.

France’s press was relentless, and Iraq struggled to string passes together in their own half. The French midfield of Adrien Rabiot and Eduardo Camavinga controlled the tempo, while a fluid front three created overloads in wide areas.

Key Moments

• 15th minute: France break the deadlock. A quick one-two between Mbappé and Griezmann slices open the Iraqi defence. Mbappé’s deflected cross falls to Kolo Muani, who slots home from six yards.
• 33rd minute: Iraq’s best chance. A rare long ball catches France centre-back Dayot Upamecano out of position, but striker Aymen Hussein’s shot is straight at goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
• 51st minute: France double the lead. Griezmann’s corner finds the unmarked Raphaël Varane, who powers a header past the helpless Iraqi keeper.
• 78th minute: Mbappé puts the game to bed. He picks up the ball on the left, cuts inside past three defenders, and curls a 20-yard finish into the far corner.

Tactical Story

Iraq’s game plan to sit deep and absorb pressure worked for the first quarter-hour, but France’s speed of passing and movement off the ball proved too much. Deschamps’ side exploited the spaces between Iraq’s defensive lines, with full-backs Theo Hernández and Jules Koundé constantly overlapping.

Once France scored the opener, Iraq were forced to push forward, leaving gaps that Mbappé and Griezmann ruthlessly exploited. France finished with 68% possession and 17 shots to Iraq’s 3.

Standout Players

• Kylian Mbappé (France): A man of the match performance. One goal, one assist, and a constant menace. His dribbling and directness terrorised the Iraqi defence.
• Randal Kolo Muani (France): Scored the crucial opening goal and worked tirelessly pressing the Iraqi backline.
• Raphaël Varane (France): Dominant in aerial duels and calm in possession, his goal capped a splendid defensive display.

Group Standings Impact

France’s convincing win puts them level on points with Brazil, who edged Australia 2-1 earlier in the day. Iraq now sit bottom of Group D and face an even tougher test against Brazil on June 26. For France, the momentum is building — a victory over Australia next week would all but guarantee a spot in the knockout stages.

The 2026 World Cup is already delivering drama, and France’s polished performance sends a clear message to the rest of the tournament: they are here to defend their crown.