
France Prepares for Crucial World Cup Clash with Iraq
France's dominant second‑half display against Senegal and Iraq's need to contain a potent attack set the stage for a high‑stakes encounter.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Didier Deschamps across Soccer, Football.

France's dominant second‑half display against Senegal and Iraq's need to contain a potent attack set the stage for a high‑stakes encounter.

From a mulch-and-sand flag to shared training sessions, Lawrence’s residents have opened their hearts to Algeria’s World Cup side, even as the country faces human‑rights questions and a high‑profile detention case.

The Athletic’s interactive Pick’Em feature delivers daily forecasts for the tournament, blending analyst insight, algorithmic models, and even a dog’s intuition to guide fans through the knockout stage.

An 18‑year‑old prodigy who switched allegiance from France to Morocco, Ayyoub Bouaddi has delivered a series of standout performances that have sparked praise, speculation, and a new narrative for the Atlas Lions.

Adrien Rabiot and other international figures criticize the MetLife Stadium pitch, prompting FIFA to reaffirm its maintenance protocols.

FIFA's introduction of hydration breaks during the 2026 World Cup has divided fans, players and pundits, with several matches seeing momentum shifts and commercial exploitation.

A look at the highlights from Matchday 6, featuring Messi, Mbappe and Haaland, and a preview of the upcoming fixtures.

The 2026 World Cup will see France and Senegal collide in a clash that stretches back to their first encounter in 2002, when the African side shocked the European powerhouse. The memory of that victory still fuels Senegal’s ambition as they aim for a deep run in the tournament.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first edition co‑hosted by three countries and the first to feature a 48‑team format. Argentina aims to defend its title and become the first side to win consecutive tournaments since Brazil in 1962, while Germany hopes to finally advance beyond the group stage. BFW analysts predict Spain, France and Germany as top contenders, with Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal among the players expected to shine.

Amidst a backdrop of protests, traffic jams and political tension, Mexico City's streets are awash with World Cup imagery featuring legends like Hugo Sánchez and Raúl Jiménez, as the tournament's expanded format and controversies dominate discussion.

The first 48‑team World Cup will be co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, featuring a packed schedule, iconic stadiums, and a roster of star players whose performances are driving fan forecasts.

The expanded 2026 World Cup brings 48 teams, heightened expectations for the U.S. host, and a mix of contending nations eyeing glory amid political and logistical challenges.

A look at the emotional connections and competitive stakes as siblings compete together and against each other in Qatar.

The upcoming international friendly against Northern Ireland serves as a crucial tune‑up for France, who are aiming to reach a third consecutive World Cup final while preparing for a demanding group stage.

Ahead of the tournament, France will test its World Cup XI against Northern Ireland, using the match to address recent defensive lapses and fine‑tune attacking patterns.

Tunisia's football heritage includes a landmark win over Mexico in 1978, near‑misses against England and a victory over France, while a fresh wave of talent and an enthusiastic fan base aim to translate past resilience into future success.

A June 4 friendly between France and Côte d’Ivoire in Nantes will test Les Bleus’ defensive options and Ivory Coast’s attacking firepower ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Ahead of the global tournament, France will host Ivory Coast in a Nantes friendly, with both teams using the match to fine‑tune tactics and build momentum.

Philippe Diallo, head of the French Football Federation, outlines the dual objectives of fiscal prudence and athletic achievement for Les Bleus at the upcoming tournament.
France will host Ivory Coast at Stade de la Beaujoire on Thursday, looking to extend a strong recent run while the Ivorians use the game as a final rehearsal before their Group E opener.

A look at the life, career and lasting influence of Franz Beckenbauer, the German legend whose elegance and ambition left an indelible mark on football.

Recent triumphs in the 2025 AFCON and a 2022 World Cup semifinal have spotlighted Morocco's comprehensive football development model, set to shape its ambitions for the 2026 World Cup and beyond.