France vs Iraq: Top five players to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Michael Olise & Ayman Hussein

France and Iraq will clash at the FIFA World Cup on June 22.

The FIFA World Cup has always been a stage where individual brilliance can shape entire tournaments. From established superstars carrying the weight of expectation to rising talents looking to announce themselves to a global audience, every fixture offers players an opportunity to leave a lasting impression.

France’s clash against Iraq is no different. Didier Deschamps’ side boasts one of the most talented squads in the competition, featuring players who have consistently delivered at the highest level of international football. Iraq, meanwhile, possess several individuals capable of producing moments of quality despite entering the match as underdogs.

With the spotlight firmly fixed on the game, here are five players who could have the biggest influence on the outcome of this Group I encounter.

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5. Ali Jasim: Iraq

Ali Jasim heads into the fixture as one of Iraq’s most exciting young talents and a player capable of producing moments of brilliance even against elite opposition. The winger has built a reputation for his fearless approach, often taking responsibility in difficult situations and looking to drive at defenders whenever he receives possession.

Against France, Iraq are unlikely to enjoy long spells on the ball, which makes Jasim’s role even more important. His ability to carry the ball over long distances, win fouls in dangerous areas, and create opportunities on the counterattack could provide Iraq with a valuable outlet.

The youngster also possesses the confidence to attempt difficult passes and shots, qualities that can often make the difference in games with limited opportunities.

4. Michael Olise: France

Michael Olise has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past few seasons and has firmly established himself as one of France’s most creative attacking players. The versatile forward, who plays for Bayern Munich, enjoyed an outstanding 2025-26 campaign and entered the World Cup in excellent form.

Olise’s greatest strength lies in his ability to create chances from almost any area of the pitch. Whether delivering crosses from wide positions, threading passes through defensive lines or cutting inside to create shooting opportunities for himself, he constantly asks questions of opposing defences. His technical quality and decision-making have made him an increasingly important figure in Didier Deschamps’ squad.

Against Senegal in France’s opening fixture, he demonstrated why so many supporters view him as one of the team’s most influential attacking weapons. Iraq will likely adopt a compact defensive structure, but players with Olise’s vision often excel in these situations. His ability to find pockets of space and create openings for teammates could make him one of France’s most dangerous players on the night.

3. Ayman Hussein: Iraq

When discussions turn to Iraq’s most important player, the conversation inevitably begins with Ayman Hussein. The experienced striker has spent years establishing himself as one of Asia’s premier forwards and remains the focal point of Iraq’s attack heading into this crucial Group I encounter.

Hussein’s game extends far beyond goalscoring. His intelligent movement, hold-up play and ability to link attacks make him invaluable to his teammates. Whether operating as a lone striker or as part of a front two, he consistently finds ways to influence matches.

His experience at the highest level of club football has also helped him become one of the leaders within the Iraqi dressing room. The striker’s international record speaks for itself. Over the years, he has delivered important goals in major qualifiers and continental competitions, often stepping up when Iraq needed him most.

2. Ousmane Dembélé: France

Few footballers in world football are capable of changing the course of a match quite like Ousmane Dembélé. The French winger enjoyed arguably the finest season of his career with Paris Saint-Germain during the 2025-26 campaign, finishing among the club’s leading contributors in both goals and assists while helping the French champions compete for major honours. Dembélé’s unique skill set makes him one of the most difficult attackers to defend against.

Equally comfortable using either foot, he can beat defenders on the outside, cut inside to shoot or create opportunities for teammates with his vision and passing range. His unpredictability often leaves opponents unsure of how to approach him, creating a constant headache for defensive units. Internationally, Dembélé has become a crucial part of France’s attacking setup. A member of the squad that reached the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, he brings valuable experience alongside world-class quality.

Against Senegal in the opening game, his movement and creativity caused problems throughout the contest, even when he was not directly involved in goals. France will expect to dominate possession against Iraq, which makes Dembélé particularly important. His ability to break down compact defences and create chances from seemingly impossible situations could play a decisive role in determining the match’s outcome.

1. Kylian Mbappe: France

There is only one player who could occupy the top spot on this list. Kylian Mbappé enters the fixture not only as France’s captain but also as one of the biggest stars at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Real Madrid forward continues to build an extraordinary legacy for both club and country.

After another prolific season in Spain, Mbappé arrived at the tournament carrying immense expectations and immediately demonstrated his quality by finding the back of the net against Senegal. His ability to perform on football’s biggest stages has become a defining feature of his career. Mbappé’s World Cup record already places him among the competition’s modern greats.

He played a key role in France’s triumph in 2018, won the Golden Boot at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and has consistently delivered in knockout matches and finals. Few players possess such a remarkable résumé before reaching their thirties.

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