Iraq Increases Preparations to Face France

The Lions of Mesopotamia intensified their preparations for their second World Cup appearance in history, facing France early Monday at Lincoln Field in Philadelphia as part of the second round of Group Nine in the 2026 World Cup.

The Iraqi team enters the match after a 1-4 loss to Norway last Wednesday in Boston, a match in which Ayman Hussein scored a historic goal and the team showed a strong face for the first hour before collapsing physically and conceding multiple goals.

Iraq's delegation arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as a new stop in the Lions of Mesopotamia's intensive travels since the tournament began. The delegation resumed preparations with a morning training session after days of preparation at the residence in Greenbrier, West Virginia.

However, the picture was incomplete with the absence of striker Mohannad Ali "Mimi" from the group training due to a muscle strain in his right foot. The medical staff is working on his rehabilitation, but site sources confirmed that his participation against France is highly unlikely, while attention is turning to the final match against Senegal as a potential opportunity for his return.

Unlike Mimi, winger Ali Jassim's participation seems highly likely. The player suffered a neck bruise during an aerial clash against Norway, but medical tests reassured the technical staff. Ali informed Arnold and the medical team of his full readiness and eagerness to face the toughest test against the world champions.

In goalkeeping, coach Zeljko Kalac intensified his work with Jalal Hassan over the past few days. The goal was to mentally prepare the captain after conceding 4 goals against Norway. All indications are that Arnold will grant Jalal the starting role again in Iraq's toughest encounter in years.

Since the final whistle of the Norway match, the Australian coach has focused more on the moral aspect than the technical one. He gave the players a 24-hour rest to change the atmosphere after the disappointment, then reminded them in meetings that the first half and the first 70 minutes against Norway are capable of embarrassing France.

The loss to Norway placed Iraq at the bottom of Group Nine with no points, trailing Senegal on goal difference. Norway leads on goal difference over France, who won 3-1 against Senegal in the opener.

Between Ali Jassim's readiness, Mimi's absence, and Jalal Hassan's preparation, Arnold is trying to prepare a lineup capable of enduring 90 minutes against Mbappe and his teammates. Philadelphia awaits, and Iraqi hopes are pinned on a new plan to erase the mistakes of Boston.