2026-06-21T07:10:15+00:00
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Shafaq News- Philadelphia
Iraq’s national football team arrived in Philadelphia on
Sunday ahead of their second World Cup Group I match against France, welcomed
by Iraqi fans before a fixture that could shape the team’s qualification hopes.
A large crowd from the Iraqi community received the squad on
arrival, chanting in support of the “Lions of Mesopotamia” before their meeting
with one of the tournament favorites.
Graham Arnold’s side now move into the final phase of
preparation for France at Lincoln Financial Field, where Iraq need a positive
result after opening their campaign with a 4-1 defeat to Norway, which left
Iraq with little room for error, despite a strong first-half spell in which
Aymen Hussein equalized before defensive mistakes allowed Erling Haaland and
his teammates to pull away.
France, meanwhile, enter the match in a stronger position
after beating Senegal 3-1 in their opener, giving Didier Deschamps’ side three
points and early control of their qualification path.
The French camp has warned against treating Iraq as a
routine opponent. Defender William Saliba said France expect an intense match
against a team fighting to stay alive, while Lucas Digne pointed to Iraq’s
direct style and two-forward setup.
Deschamps is also expected to make only limited adjustments,
with France aiming to keep momentum while avoiding complacency before their
second group match.
A defeat would leave Iraq close to an early exit before
facing Senegal, while a result against France would reopen their path in Group
I.
The match is scheduled for Tuesday at 00:00 Baghdad time at
Lincoln Financial Field.