PREVIEW: France look to seal knockout round place with victory over Iraq | OneFootball

France will take on Iraq in Philadelphia this evening, knowing that a victory could secure their place in the Round of 32. Les Bleus enter the match off the back of a 3-1 against Senegal and currently sit in second of Group I after Norway beat Iraq 4-1 on the same evening.

French superstar Kylian Mbappe has been hailed a hero after becoming the highest male French scorer of all time following his brace last time out. The forward surpassed Olivier Giroud’s goalscoring record and overtook Just Fontaine for the most FIFA World Cup goals scored for France.

The two-time champions have won five in their last six matches in all competitions, with their only defeat coming in a 2-1 loss to the Ivory Coast in a pre-tournament friendly. France have appeared in the World Cup 17 times, including this year’s tournament, and have reached the last two finals, losing out to Argentina 4-2 on penalties in Qatar in 2022 and, of course, lifting the famous trophy in 2018.

Meanwhile, Iraq head into the clash against France on the back of a heavy 4-1 defeat against Norway on Monday evening. Iraq are currently bottom of Group I, but they can still qualify for the Round of 32. However, they will need to beat France and hope Norway either lose or draw against Senegal to give themselves a chance of climbing to at least third place.

Iraq made their last appearance in the FIFA World Cup in 1986 in Mexico, where they were knocked out at the group stage after losing all three matches. The side have scored nine times in their last eleven matches in all competitions, and tomorrow’s clash will mark the first ever meeting between them and the 2018 FIFA World Cup winners, France. Iraq have only won one in their last six matches across all competitions, losing four and drawing one.

The match will kick off at 8pm UK time and will be broadcast on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport Website.