Kylian Mbappe enters France's second Group I fixture at the FIFA World Cup 2026 riding high on confidence — and with a very specific record in his sights. The Real Madrid forward scored twice in France's 3-1 opening victory over Senegal and now faces Iraq, a side already staggering after Erling Haaland and Norway handed them a 4-1 defeat in Matchday 1.

Iraq's difficult start

Graham Arnold's Iraq are competing in their first World Cup in 40 years, but the tournament has not been kind to them. After absorbing a brace from Haaland — the Manchester City striker proving merciless in Norway's opener — they must now confront arguably the most dangerous forward in the competition.

Iraq's defensive vulnerabilities were plain to see in that opening loss, and on paper it is near-impossible to construct a case for an upset here. The pressure, as the odds suggest, falls entirely on France's shoulders.

France's selection questions

Didier Deschamps' side sit second in Group I behind Norway on goal difference, with both European nations having won their opening matches. Iraq and Senegal, meanwhile, are both searching for their first points.

France know a win would place them in an ideal position ahead of their final group game against Norway, and Deschamps may take the opportunity to rotate. Reports from the French media indicate that Michael Olise could shift into a number ten role, with Ousmane Dembele returning to his preferred right flank — a setup that would suit Mbappe perfectly. Players such as Lucas Digne, Bradley Barcola, and Manu Kone could also be handed starts.

Mbappe's goalscoring milestone

Entering Matchday 2, Mbappe sits two goals behind Lionel Messi and Miroslav Klose in the all-time World Cup goalscoring chart. With Argentina scheduled to play before France on the day, the Real Madrid man will be eager to close that gap — starting with Klose's mark at the very least.

France have found the net in each of their last 14 international matches, a streak that shows little sign of ending at Philadelphia Stadium in Pennsylvania. One wildcard remains the forecast of severe storms expected to hit Philadelphia, which could introduce an element of unpredictability into proceedings. Even so, logic strongly favours a comfortable French victory.

Score prediction: France 4-1 Iraq. The match kicks off at 4pm local time (10am UK) and is available to watch free on BBC One in the United Kingdom, FOX in the United States, and SBS in Australia.