Didier Deschamps Sticks with Winning Formula for Iraq Match

Didier Deschamps is not in the mood for experiments. After watching his France side dismantle Senegal 3-1 in their World Cup opener, the national coach is expected to stay loyal to the men who turned a sluggish start into a statement win, with L’Équipe indicating no “major” changes are planned for Monday’s meeting with Iraq.

France stumbled through the first 45 minutes against Les Lions de la Teranga, ponderous on the ball and second best in too many duels. The interval arrived as a relief. The response after the break looked like a different tournament altogether.

Deschamps’ half-time words clearly bit. France emerged with sharper movement, quicker passing, and a far more aggressive press. The tempo rose, the spaces opened, and the goals followed. Three of them, each one tightening France’s grip on the group and restoring the familiar sense of a heavyweight easing into stride.

That second-half surge has effectively drawn the team sheet for Iraq. Deschamps, a coach who values continuity as much as creativity, has little reason to rip up a winning formula. The core of the XI that finished so strongly against Senegal is poised to go again, with only minor tweaks under consideration rather than any sweeping overhaul.

The medical bulletin only strengthens that stance. No fresh fitness problems emerged from the Senegal clash, removing the most obvious trigger for rotation. France came through physically unscathed, a luxury in a tournament that often starts to claim casualties from the very first whistle.

Malo Gusto and William Saliba remain under treatment for their respective issues, but the concerns are described as minor rather than alarming. Both are being managed carefully, their workloads adjusted, yet neither setback has forced Deschamps into emergency planning. Instead, he approaches Iraq with what is close to a full deck.

For a manager who has built his tenure on stability and trust, this is the ideal scenario: a confident group, a functioning system, and almost every key piece available. Iraq will face a France side that already has its rhythm – and a coach who sees no need to touch the dial.