France vs Iraq, World Cup: What Graham Arnold said

Graham Arnold joked that he asked if Iraq “could play three goalkeepers” against France as the 2007 AFC Asian Cup winners prepare to lock horns with the two-time world champions.

It is a David v Goliath battle in Philadelphia, where Arnold’s Iraq go head-to-head against a star-studded French team, spearheaded by Kylian Mbappe on Tuesday (AEST).

Featuring at their first World Cup in 40 years, Iraq are coming off a 4-1 loss to Norway in their Group I opener, while France overpowered Senegal 3-1.

Mbappe fuelled France’s first-up win, scoring twice to become France’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Asked about facing Mbappe, Australian legend Arnold smiled and told reporters: “I asked if we could play three goalkeepers but they said no.

“They have some incredible players and it is an honour, but we are focused on ourselves, our own performance.

“We are making sure the players are completely ready to go out there and show the world what they are about.”

Despite the gulf in quality, with France boasting some of the best players in the world, Arnold insisted Iraq will not take a backward step against the 1998 and 2018 champions.

“I have always been a coach that goes out expecting to win a game, not trying not to lose,” Arnold said

“When you have that mentality, yes you will have days where it might not work but you will get plenty of days where it does work.

“We will go out with the belief and expectation to win and that puts the players in a good mindset.”

It comes after France shared a behind-the-scenes clip of outgoing head coach Didier Deschamps warning Les Bleus not to underestimate Arnold’s France.

“It’s not a small team, they have qualities and they’ve shown it against Spain and Bolivia,” he said in the video within France’s dressing room.

Le discours du coach avant d’aller sur le terrain d’entraînement ! 🗣️ ” pic.twitter.com/u72ppXtXRW

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) June 20, 2026