Does Manu Koné play today? France vs Iraq at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Manu Koné should be a key player in France’s midfield this Monday (22) against Iraq, in the second round of Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The midfielder, with physical strength and good ball release, helps protect the defense and fuel the attack at Lincoln Financial Field, in Philadelphia, from 6pm (Brasília time).
After the 3-1 victory over Senegal in the debut, Didier Deschamps counts on Koné to give balance to the team. His presence alongside Adrien Rabiot allows Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé (or Bradley Barcola) and Kylian Mbappé to attack with more freedom. The objective is to add three points and advance the classification.
Iraq arrives under pressure after defeat in the first round and must close down to try to exploit counterattacks. Koné and the French midfield need to control actions, recover balls and dictate the pace to avoid surprises.
Koné in France’s tactical scheme
France should play in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Mike Maignan in goal. Defense formed by Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne. In the middle, Koné and Rabiot form the duo of containment and construction. In attack, Olise, Dembélé/Barcola and Mbappé complete the team.
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For Iraq, the 4-4-2 has Jalal Hassan in goal, Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashem and Merchas Doski in the defensive line. Amir Al-Ammari, Ibrahim Bayesh and strikers Aymen Hussein and Ali Al-Hamadi look for spaces in transitions.
Koné and the panorama of Group I
France and Norway are tied with 3 points at the top of Group I. A victory led by Koné in midfield could give the French an isolated lead and allow rotation in the next games. This is the first confrontation between the teams in World Cups.
The French midfielder has been important in the team’s balance and his performance against the Iraqi low block will be decisive for territorial dominance.
Stream and match details
The game will be broadcast live on CazéTV on YouTube, with additional coverage on Betano and Prime Video. Referee Drew Fischer commands the duel at Lincoln Financial Field.
