France Player Ratings Vs Iraq – 2026 World Cup

Mike Maignan may as well have set up a deck chair and brought his tablet with him for this one. Iraq could only muster four shots over the course of the game, none of which were on target.

On top of this, he only completed ten passes. While Maignan did keep a clean sheet, he can’t really be given any credit for doing so.

RB: Jules Kounde – 6

Most of France’s backline will be tough to grade. Jules Kounde, like the rest of the quartet, simply weren’t given much of challenge by their overmatched opposition.

Furthemore, Kounde isn’t the most attacking-minded full-back in the world. He was comfortable throughout, but it’s difficult to claim that he really thrived.

CB: William Saliba – 6

Endured an uncompromising aerial battle throughout the game against Aymen Hussein, but persevered and kept a clean sheet. He did, however, switch off late on and almost allowed Ali Al-Hamadi to open Iraq’s account.

Of all France’s defenders, Saliba was probably the busiest – this was a bit of a contrast from their first game against Senegal, where he was relatively quiet.

CB: Dayot Upamecano – 7

Another solid, solid performance from Dayot Upamecano. The Bayern Munich man dealt with everything thrown his way and was never made to look uncomfortable.

He’ll have much more difficult outings later on in the tournament, but Upamecano can’t be faulted for his display against his lowly opposition.

LB: Lucas Digne – 6

Like Kounde, it is challenging to give Lucas Digne an accurate grade for his performance against Iraq – he really didn’t have much to do.

He didn’t make – or even attempt – a single tackle during the entirety of the game. He was routinely composed in possession and made some decent balls forward though, so he deserves credit for that.

CM: Manu Kone – 7

Manu Kone was a beastly engine within the heart of France’s midfield, keeping things moving on the ball and regularly breaking up play whilst off it.

He didn’t start in France’s first game, as Didier Deschamps picked Aurelien Tchouameni instead, but Kone certainly put forth a convincing audition.

CM: Adrien Rabiot – 6

Once again, Adrien Rabiot was phenomenal on the ball for France, showing off a wide, accurate range of passing – he has been one of the World Cup’s top deep-lying playmakers thus far.

However, he wasn’t at his best defensively – furthermore, he also spurned a gilt-edged chance in the second half, nodding the ball wide when facing an empty net.

RW: Ousmane Dembele – 8

After Ousmane Dembele’s underwhelming opening group game against Senegal, this was a strong return to form for the PSG superstar.

He was opportunistic to set up the first goal, pouncing upon a calamitous error, then fired the ball into the far corner to score France’s third.

AM: Michael Olise – 8

The assist king was at it against Iraq. He set up 21 goals in the Bundesliga for Bayern Munich last season – he is carrying that wonderful form into the World Cup.

Not only did he register two assists for France against Iraq, he also hit the bar with an audacious chipped effort. Had he found the back of the net, he’d have likely received a nine or even a ten.

LW: Bradley Barcola – 6

Bradley Barcola wasn’t as electric as he was in his substitute appearance against Senegal, but still managed to cause issues with his pace.

Still, despite presenting a threat throughout, he never followed through at any point. After this performance, Deschamps may prefer to use him a super-sub, rather than as a starter.

ST: Kylian Mbappe – 8

Kylian Mbappe was at it once again against Iraq. His first goal was a peach of an effort, even if goalkeeper Ahmed Basil probably should’ve done better with it.

His second effort was as easy of a goal as he will ever score. Captilising upon a three stooges-esque mixup at the back, he turned the ball into the net at close range.

Sub 1: Rayan Cherki – 6

Rayan Cherki has yet to grow into the this tournament. He made some incisive passes, but failed to notch up a goal contribution during his 25 minutes on the pitch.

Sub 2: Desire Doue – 5

Desire Doue contributed even less than Cherki did, sadly. We all know how great he can be, but we have yet to see his true abilities in the 2026 World Cup.

Sub 3: Maghnes Akliouche – N/A

Maghnes Akliouche worked hard during his cameo appearance, but had precious little time to put forth a serious contribution towards Les Bleus’ efforts.

Sub 4: Malo Gusto – N/A

Much of the same can be said of Malo Gusto. The Chelsea man only had ten minutes to make an impact – thus, he didn’t do an awful lot.

Sub 5: Marcus Thuram – N/A

Brought on as a late replacment for Kylian Mbappe in added time – as such, he didn’t have any scope to make a meaningful impact on the game.