Iraq vs France: TV, Stream, Lineups and Kickoff Time

Iraq vs France is scheduled for Monday, June 22, 2026 at Philadelphia Stadium, with kickoff at 5:00 PM local time and 21:00 UTC. In the United States, check FOX Sports listings for English-language coverage and Telemundo, Universo or Peacock listings for Spanish-language coverage. Exact channel placement can vary by market and package, so confirm the match listing on matchday rather than relying on a generic tournament channel.

Official team sheets are normally the last meaningful update before kickoff. Until they land, the better question is not a guessed XI; it is how much France protect their midfield after already winning the opener, and how much risk Iraq take after the heavy Norway defeat. If lineups are not yet confirmed, treat any expected XI as a shape guide only.

France can move to six points and put real pressure on Norway before the final Group I round. Iraq, meanwhile, cannot afford another empty result after losing 4-1 to Norway. A draw would keep them mathematically alive but still leave the last match tense. A win would change the group completely, though France's squad depth and tournament experience make that a difficult ask.

France do not need chaos here. They need control, clean spacing and enough speed around the box to make Iraq defend for long spells. Kylian Mbappe is the obvious headline if selected, but France's advantage is broader than one player. The midfield has to stop Iraq's counters at source, because the one way this match becomes uncomfortable is if France dominate the ball but leave the back line exposed after losses.

Iraq's first job is to keep the match smaller than the France names suggest. That means compact distances, disciplined fouling choices and enough forward support to stop clearances coming straight back. After the Norway result, goal difference is already a problem, so chasing too early could be dangerous. Iraq need to stay in the match long enough for France to feel the clock.

Watch the France midfield balance and Iraq's first pressing line. If France can play through the first pressure cleanly, the game should tilt quickly toward repeated territory. If Iraq can turn recoveries into two or three real counters, Philadelphia becomes less comfortable for the favourite. The simultaneous group story is Norway vs Senegal later in the day, because that result will shape how strong a France win really looks.