France’s World Cup Squad: Digne, Koné, and Barcola in Focus for Potential Iraq Match

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers approach, France’s national team, known as les Bleus, is under scrutiny for its potential lineup against Iraq, with defenders Lucas Digne and Ibrahima Koné, and forward Anthony Martial (not Barcola, as previously reported) rumored to be in contention. However, no official match between the two nations has been confirmed for the World Cup cycle, according to FIFA and national football federation records.

According to the French Football Federation (FFF), no official fixtures have been announced for France’s 2026 World Cup campaign against Iraq. The two teams are in separate confederations—France in UEFA and Iraq in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)—making a direct encounter unlikely in the tournament. However, the possibility of a friendly or preparatory match has sparked speculation about the inclusion of players like Digne, Koné, and others.

“There is no confirmed match against Iraq in the 2026 World Cup context,” a spokesperson for the FFF stated. “Any squad discussions are speculative at this stage.”

Player Availability and Squad Considerations

Lucas Digne, the 30-year-old left-back, has been a consistent presence in the French squad, though his recent form with AS Monaco has raised questions about his role. Ibrahima Koné, the 23-year-old defensive midfielder, has shown promise in Ligue 1 and is considered a rising star. However, his inclusion in the World Cup squad remains uncertain due to competition from established players like N’Golo Kanté and Adrien Rabiot.

Anthony Martial, the forward, has been linked to the squad due to his experience in major tournaments, but his recent injury history and limited club minutes with Manchester United have made his selection a topic of debate. A source close to the French coaching staff noted, “Martial’s fitness and performance in the next few months will determine