Arsenal centre‑back William Saliba admits he has been battling “minor niggles” for months, yet refuses to ease off as France chase World Cup glory. The 25‑year‑old helped Arsenal end a 22‑year title drought and reach a Champions League final, losing on penalties to PSG. Deschamps says the medical team monitors his load daily ahead of the Iraq match.

France opened the tournament with a 3‑1 win over Senegal, a match in which Kylian Mbappé struck twice, the second pushing him past Olivier Giroud to become France’s all‑time scorer with 58 goals. Mbappé can add a 100th cap on Monday and chase the World Cup record of 16 goals. France looked against Senegal, struggling for an hour before Mbappé’s breakthrough. Iraq have netted nine times in their eleven fixtures.

Deschamps may tweak his lineup, with Lucas Digne and Manu Koné among names whispered as possible starters, while Iraq, winless in four World Cups, arrived after a 4‑1 loss to Norway. Iraq’s Ali Jasim cleared medical checks after an earlier knock. If France concede early, Iraq could exploit the opening, as they demonstrated against Norway. France will need defensive solidity to progress beyond the group stage.