The France national team earned a convincing victory over Iraq this weekend in a warm-up match for the 2026 World Cup. According to Tod.tv, Les Bleus controlled the game from start to finish, displaying clear technical superiority.
How did France dominate the match?
The French collective imposed its rhythm from the opening minutes. With 55.6% ball possession, Didier Deschamps's players built their play patiently. They completed 603 passes with 89.6% accuracy, numbers that illustrate their midfield control. Iraq, set up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, struggled to contain the repeated attacks and conceded only one yellow card despite the sustained pressure.
The French attack was particularly prolific with 19 total shots, 5 of which were on target. Kylian Mbappé and his teammates tested Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan on several occasions. The live stats show France also earned 4 corners, compared to just 2 for their opponents. This sustained offensive pressure eventually paid off, even though the exact scoreline isn't detailed in the initial report.
What was the team lineup?
Didier Deschamps fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation with Mike Maignan in goal. The defense consisted of Jules Koundé, Lucas Digne, Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba. Adrien Rabiot and Manu Koné formed the holding midfield duo. The attack was led by Ousmane Dembélé, Kingsley Coman and Kylian Mbappé, with Marcus Thuram up front.
The French bench was particularly deep, including players like Aurélien Tchouaméni, N'Golo Kanté, Eduardo Camavinga and Randal Kolo Muani. This squad depth is a major asset for the rest of the competition. You can view the full squad on our dedicated page.
| Player | Position | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Maignan | Goalkeeper | 16 |
| Jules Koundé | Defender | 5 |
| Dayot Upamecano | Defender | 4 |
| William Saliba | Defender | 17 |
| Adrien Rabiot | Midfielder | 14 |
| Kylian Mbappé | Forward | 10 |
What are the takeaways for the World Cup?
This match allowed the French team to fine-tune their coordination one month before the start of the 2026 World Cup. The low number of fouls committed (8) and the absence of a red card are positive points. The team also limited the opponent to just 4 shots, none on target, proving defensive solidity.
The match confirmed the good physical condition of the squad, with only one substitution noted in the live stats. The players covered significant collective distance, an essential metric for the global tournament. The fixtures schedule shows more tests are planned before the official kick-off.
What's next for Les Bleus?
The French national team will continue its preparation with other friendly matches in the coming weeks. The goal is to arrive in Canada, the United States, and Mexico in the best possible condition. Individual and collective performances will be further analyzed by the technical staff.
The victory against Iraq, although not an official fixture, gives the group positive momentum. It allows them to approach the final phase of preparations with confidence. Fans can follow the evolution of the team's stats on our dedicated platform as the global event draws near.
