France One Win Away From World Cup Knockout Stage as Mbappé Inspires Senegal Comeback

France One Win Away From World Cup Knockout Stage as Mbappé Inspires Senegal Comeback

France are on the verge of securing qualification for the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, needing just a victory over Iraq to guarantee progression from Group I.

Les Bleus responded to a difficult first half in their opening match with a dominant second-half display that secured a 3-1 win over Senegal in New Jersey, powered by a brace from Kylian Mbappé.

France initially struggled to impose themselves in the contest, but they shifted gears after the break, with Mbappé leading the turnaround and underlining his status as a key figure for Didier Deschamps’ side.

Substitute Bradley Barcola also made an immediate impact, scoring his first World Cup goal just minutes after coming on, highlighting the depth available to the French squad.

That result leaves France well positioned heading into their second Group I fixture against Iraq in Boston, where a win would confirm their place in the knockout stages.

Deschamps is expected to largely maintain his core squad, though slight adjustments could be made. Bradley Barcola is in contention to start on the left wing, potentially replacing Désiré Doué, while Lucas Digne may come in at left-back ahead of Theo Hernández.

There is also growing possibility of a midfield reshuffle, with Manu Koné impressing in training alongside Adrien Rabiot and pushing for a starting role.

Iraq, meanwhile, face a steep challenge after a heavy 4-1 defeat to Norway in their opening match. The debutants at this stage of the tournament will need at least a positive result against France to keep their knockout hopes alive.

The Lions of Mesopotamia only secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup after a demanding qualifying campaign, but their return to the global stage has been met with immediate difficulty in what is widely regarded as one of the tournament’s toughest groups.

Their upcoming fixture adds to a daunting schedule that also includes a final group match against Senegal, who reached the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

According to pre-match projections from Opta’s supercomputer, France are overwhelming favourites to win in Boston, with an 88.5 percent probability of victory compared to just three percent for Iraq. A draw is rated at 8.5 percent.

The same projections currently place France as the leading contenders to win the tournament overall, ahead of pre-competition favourites Spain.

A win for France would not only secure early qualification but also further strengthen their status as one of the standout teams in the competition so far.