Didier Deschamps Sticks to Winning Formula Against Iraq

Didier Deschamps is set to trust his winning formula.

According to L’Équipe, the France coach is not expected to make any major changes to the side that opened their FIFA World Cup campaign with a convincing 3-1 win over Senegal, as Les Bleus turn their attention to Iraq on Monday evening.

Deschamps backs his starters

France’s first outing was a reminder that even heavyweight nations can stumble out of the blocks. They were sluggish against Senegal, second to too many balls, short of tempo and ideas. Then came half-time.

Deschamps, never shy of a sharp word, delivered the necessary jolt in the dressing room. The response was immediate. France emerged with a different edge: sharper in the duels, quicker in transition, cleaner in the final third. Three goals later, the scoreboard finally matched their status.

That second-half surge has effectively locked in the core of his XI. The message is clear: earn the shirt, keep the shirt.

Near full squad, no fresh alarms

The win over Senegal brought intensity, but not damage. No new fitness issues have been reported in the France camp, a rare luxury in a tournament that often bites early.

Malo Gusto and William Saliba are both still receiving treatment for their individual fitness concerns, but their situations are being managed and nothing serious emerged from the opener. Deschamps, then, walks into matchday two with almost a full deck.

Stability, momentum, a group largely untouched by injury — all the ingredients a World Cup manager craves. Now it’s up to Iraq to try and disrupt a France side that looks in no mood to tinker.