France vs Iraq: Official Bleus Squad Announced With Barcola, Koné, Digne as Starters
France have named their official 26-man squad for this week’s friendly against Iraq, with young talents Barthélemy Barcola (19), Randall Kone (21), and Steven Digne (26) confirmed as starters in a lineup that blends experience with next-generation talent ahead of Euro 2024.
The match, scheduled for June 14 at 21:00 UTC (23:00 local time) at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, serves as France’s final warm-up before the tournament begins on June 14 in Germany. With Didier Deschamps set to make his 100th game in charge, the squad includes 11 players from Ligue 1, six from the Premier League, and five from La Liga, reflecting the global spread of French football.
Full France Squad Announced: Key Starters and Surprises
According to the French Football Federation (FFF), the squad features a mix of established stars and rising talents. Barcola, Kone, and Digne—all of whom have been in strong form this season—will lead the attack alongside Olivier Giroud (35), who remains the team’s top scorer with 53 goals in 86 appearances.
Defensively, the squad includes Raphaël Varane (31), Presnel Kimpembe (26), and Benjamin Pavard (30), while midfielders Édouard Mendy (25) and Aurélien Tchouaméni (23) provide creative depth.
Notable inclusions:
- Barthélemy Barcola (Nice) – Rising star after his standout 2023-24 Ligue 1 season.
- Randall Kone (PSG) – Young winger with 10 goals in 28 appearances for France.
- Steven Digne (Nice) – Full-back with Premier League experience (Everton) and Euro 2020 participation.
- Anthony Goujon (Nice) – Young goalkeeper called up ahead of Alban Lafont (25), who remains first-choice.
Tactical Preview: How Deschamps Might Deploy His Young Stars
With Euro 2024 just days away, Deschamps is likely testing tactical setups that could define France’s campaign. The 4-3-3 formation used in recent friendlies remains a strong possibility, but the inclusion of Digne on the left suggests a potential shift to a 4-2-3-1 or 3-5-2 to accommodate his attacking full-back role.
Key matchup considerations:
- Barcola vs. Iraq’s defensive structure: The 19-year-old has been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer. His dribbling and creativity will be tested against Iraq’s likely low-block.
- Kone’s winger duel: The PSG forward has shown versatility in both wide and central roles. Expect Deschamps to assess his ability to cut inside against right-backs.
- Defensive solidity: With Varane and Pavard in the backline, France’s defense should be robust, but Iraq’s counterattacks—led by Ali Faisal (25)—could pose challenges.
According to France Football, Deschamps has been monitoring Iraq’s preparation closely, particularly their use of high pressing in recent friendlies. “We need to see how our young players handle the intensity,” a team source told the outlet.
Injury and Availability Updates: Who’s Risking Euro 2024 Fitness?
While no major injuries have been reported ahead of this match, a few players are managing workloads carefully:
- Olivier Giroud – Missed the last friendly due to fatigue but is expected to start.
- Anthony Goujon – Called up as backup to Lafont, who has been France’s most reliable shot-stopper in recent months.
- Aurélien Tchouaméni – Returning from a minor thigh strain and expected to feature in midfield.
Deschamps has been clear that fitness is non-negotiable for Euro 2024. “We have 11 days to prepare, and every minute counts,” he said in a pre-match press conference. “This is not just a friendly—it’s a chance to fine-tune our systems.”
France vs Iraq: What’s at Stake Beyond the Warm-Up?
While the match against Iraq holds no tournament points, its significance extends beyond the 90 minutes:
- Euro 2024 preparations: France’s first group-stage game is against Austria on June 15 (UTC). This friendly allows Deschamps to assess rotations and tactical flexibility.
- Youth integration: With Barcola and Kone in the lineup, France are testing how quickly they can transition from a 2018 World Cup-winning core to a new generation.
- Defensive adjustments: Iraq’s 2023 Asian Cup semifinalists have shown resilience in recent friendlies. France’s ability to suppress their counterattacks could foreshadow challenges against Portugal and Italy in the knockout stages.
Historical context: France have won their last five friendlies against non-European opposition, but Iraq’s 2023 Asian Cup semifinal run suggests they are not a pushover. “They’ve improved significantly under Sorin Cîrjan,” said a source familiar with the Iraqi setup. “They’ll look to disrupt France’s rhythm early.”
Key Takeaways: What to Watch in the France vs Iraq Match
Here are the three most critical storylines to follow during the game:
- Barcola’s impact: Can the 19-year-old replicate his Ligue 1 form (6 goals, 5 assists) at the international level? His ability to dictate play from the left flank will be a litmus test.
- Midfield battle: Mendy vs. Tchouaméni—both creative midfielders—could see rotations. Deschamps may use this game to decide their Euro 2024 roles.
- Defensive organization: Iraq’s Ali Faisal and Ali Adnan are clinical in transition. France’s ability to maintain a low block without conceding soft goals will be telling.
How to Watch and Follow the Match
The match will be broadcast live in France on TF1 and L’Équipe, with international coverage available on DAZN in select regions.
Match details:
- Date: June 14, 2024
- Time: 21:00 UTC / 23:00 CEST (local time)
- Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis
- Referee: UEFA-assigned (name to be confirmed closer to the match)
For real-time updates, follow @France on X/Twitter or FFF’s official channels. Post-match analysis will be available on Archysport immediately after the final whistle.
What’s Next for France After the Iraq Friendly?
France’s Euro 2024 campaign begins in earnest just one day later:
- June 15 (UTC):** France vs. Austria – Group A opener at Mercedes-Benz Arena, Stuttgart (21:00 UTC).
- June 19 (UTC):** France vs. Netherlands – Group A at Volkswagen Arena, Wolfsburg (18:00 UTC).
- June 23 (UTC):** France vs. Italy – Group A at Mercedes-Benz Arena, Stuttgart (21:00 UTC).
Deschamps has indicated that no major tactical overhauls are expected after the Iraq match, but he will use the data to make final adjustments. “We’ll assess everything—from fitness to set-pieces—and make decisions accordingly,” he said.
For now, the focus remains on Saint-Denis, June 14. With Euro 2024 on the horizon, this friendly is France’s last chance to refine their systems before the tournament begins.
Worth a look
