Iraq vs France kicks off at 5:00 PM ET on Monday, 22 June 2026 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
It’s a Group I clash — and after losing their opener, Iraq must respond against the two-time world champions.
Date, Time and Venue
This FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I fixture is the second group game for both sides. Here is exactly when it starts where you are.
| Location | Kick-Off | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Host (Philadelphia, ET) | 5:00 PM | Mon, 22 Jun |
| UAE & Oman | 1:00 AM | Tue, 23 Jun |
| Saudi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar | 12:00 AM | Tue, 23 Jun |
| Pakistan | 2:00 AM | Tue, 23 Jun |
| India | 2:30 AM | Tue, 23 Jun |
| Bangladesh | 3:00 AM | Tue, 23 Jun |
For Gulf and South Asian fans this is a late-night or pre-dawn game in the early hours of Tuesday, so set an alarm.
This article stays on this single match. For each side’s full group schedule, see our Iraq at the World Cup and France at the World Cup guides.
What’s at Stake in Group I
Matchday 1 split the group cleanly. France beat Senegal 3-1 and Norway eased past Iraq 4-1, leaving both winners on three points and both losers on zero.
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norway | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +3 | 3 |
| France | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| Senegal | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | −2 | 0 |
| Iraq | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | −3 | 0 |
The maths is simple. A win lifts France to six points and all but seals a place in the Round of 32. Defeat would leave Iraq pointless with one game to go.
Iraq need a result to keep their knockout hopes alive before facing Senegal in the final round. Follow the group as it moves on our live World Cup 2026 table.
Champions vs Lions of Mesopotamia
On paper, this is a mismatch. France are two-time world champions and 2022 finalists, fielding one of the most valuable squads at the tournament.
Iraq, the Lions of Mesopotamia, are back at the World Cup for the first time in 40 years. Their proudest moment remains the 2007 Asian Cup title.
The two nations have never met. This is a first-ever meeting, with no head-to-head record for either side to lean on.
What to watch:
- Kylian Mbappé scored twice against Senegal and is now France’s all-time leading World Cup scorer.
- Iraq conceded twice before half-time against Norway — a tighter, calmer start is essential.
- With three points banked, France may rest key players ahead of Norway, leaving a gap Iraq can target.
- Set pieces hurt Iraq in their opener, and France carry a real aerial threat.
How to Watch Live
The match airs on free-to-air channels in some countries and on paid sports networks or streaming in others. Pick your country below for kick-off times and viewing options.
Iraq & the Gulf
- Iraq: where to watch in Iraq
- UAE: kick-off times · where to watch
- Saudi Arabia: kick-off times · where to watch
- Qatar: kick-off times
South Asia
- India: kick-off times · where to watch
- Pakistan: kick-off times · where to watch
Tickets, Stadium and Travel
Tickets are sold only through FIFA’s official platform. Check our World Cup 2026 tickets guide for the latest on prices, resale and availability.
Lincoln Financial Field sits in South Philadelphia’s stadium complex. The simplest route is the SEPTA Broad Street Line south to NRG Station, a short walk from the ground. Our US transport guide covers getting around every host city.
Flying in? Compare flights to Philadelphia (PHL) and hotels in Philadelphia, and see our US World Cup hotels guide for stays near every stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Iraq vs France kick off in the UAE and Saudi Arabia?
It kicks off at 1:00 AM on Tuesday, 23 June in the UAE and Oman, and at 12:00 AM (midnight) on Tuesday, 23 June in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar. That is 5:00 PM ET on Monday, 22 June in Philadelphia.
Where is Iraq vs France being played?
At Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The easiest way in is the SEPTA Broad Street Line south to NRG Station, a short walk from the stadium.
Have Iraq and France ever played each other before?
No. This is the first-ever meeting between the two national teams, so there is no head-to-head record to go on.
What does Iraq need to stay in the tournament?
After losing 4-1 to Norway, Iraq need at least a draw to keep realistic hopes alive; a win would level them with France on three points before the final group game against Senegal.
Sources
- FIFA — 2026 World Cup official site (fixtures and match info)
- ESPN — Group I teams, records and Matchday 1 results
- Sky Sports — Group I fixtures, schedule and standings
- SEPTA — getting to Lincoln Financial Field
Kick-off times, broadcast arrangements and travel details can change. Always confirm match timings and ticketing with official FIFA and host-city sources before booking travel.
