Deschamps sticks with winning core ahead of Iraq clash

Didier Deschamps is set to trust the formula that delivered France’s opening World Cup win, with L’Équipe reporting that no sweeping changes are expected ahead of Monday night’s meeting with Iraq.

Deschamps sticks with his winning core

France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal looked comfortable on the scoreboard, but it was anything but serene in the first half. Les Bleus laboured, second best in too many duels and short of their usual tempo. The interval arrived with questions, and Deschamps did not waste the break.

The response after the restart was sharp and ruthless. France emerged with a different edge, pressing higher, moving the ball quicker, and pinning Senegal back. The renewed intensity brought three goals and, with them, a reminder of the squad’s depth and authority on this stage.

That second‑half surge is now shaping Deschamps’ thinking. Rather than tinker for tinkering’s sake, the France coach is expected to keep faith with the side that eventually overwhelmed Les Lions de la Teranga, avoiding any “major” reshuffle for Iraq.

Clean bill of health boosts selection clarity

The medical bulletin only strengthens that stance. No fresh fitness problems surfaced from the Senegal match, leaving Deschamps with almost his full arsenal available.

Malo Gusto and William Saliba are both still receiving treatment for their individual issues, but their situations are being managed and no new concerns have arisen from the opener. For a tournament where injuries often dictate line-ups as much as tactics do, that stability is a luxury.

It leaves Deschamps with a simple equation: a convincing second half, a confident dressing room, and a squad largely intact. Iraq will bring a very different challenge, but France will walk into it with continuity, rhythm, and a starting XI that has already shown it can turn a slow start into a statement.