France-Iraq: Digne, Koné, Barcola... Discover the Blues' XI for the 2nd World Cup match

Didier Deschamps has introduced three changes to France's starting eleven for their second World Cup fixture against Iraq. Following their 3-1 win against Senegal, the French coach is bringing in fresh legs, with Lucas Digne, Manu Koné, and Bradley Barcola earning starts.

They replace Théo Hernandez, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Désiré Doué in the lineup. Deschamps' decision appears aimed at injecting new energy into the squad, rewarding players who have impressed, and maintaining pressure on the established starters ahead of the crucial match against Norway on Friday.

In attack, the French staff has opted to maintain a four-man offensive setup. Captain Kylian Mbappé, who scored twice against Senegal, will be supported by Ousmane Dembélé, who is under scrutiny to improve his World Cup performance, and Michael Olise, who showed flashes of brilliance in the previous game.

Adrien Rabiot retains his midfield spot, while the defense sees Digne slotting in alongside the established pairing of Upamecano and Saliba, with Jules Koundé at right-back. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan is expected to be more active against Iraq.

The starting XI for France is: Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Koné, Rabiot; Dembélé, Olise, Barcola; Mbappé (captain). A victory against Iraq would secure France's passage to the Round of 16.