France Defender Saliba Warns Against Underestimating Iraq Ahead of World Cup Clash

France defender William Saliba stated they are fully aware of the strength of the Iraqi national team they will face in the World Cup, saying, 'They have a good team, the match won't be easy.' Coach Didier Deschamps also warned his players, citing Iraq's draw with Spain and victory over Bolivia.

Scraper SystemJune 21, 2026, 11:15 AM

France Defender Saliba Warns Against Underestimating Iraq Ahead of World Cup Clash

France defender William Saliba warned that they must not underestimate the Iraqi national team they will face in the World Cup. Saliba stated, 'We are fully aware that Iraq is a good team, we know the strength of the "Lions of Mesopotamia."'

Saliba's Warning on Iraq

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Saliba said, 'Iraq has a good team and even if some think it will be easy, the match won't be easy. They passed the qualifiers, secured their place in the tournament by beating Bolivia, and drew with Spain. We expect a tough match.'

The Iraqi national team had drawn 1-1 with Spain in a friendly match played days before the tournament began. Iraq played 21 matches in the qualifiers to earn a World Cup spot and clinched the final ticket to the tournament by beating Bolivia 2-1 in the continental playoff match played in late March.

Deschamps' Motivational Talk to Players

France national team coach Didier Deschamps also used the draw with Spain as an example to prepare and motivate his players for the Iraq match.

In a direct address to his players, Deschamps said, 'Do you know anything about Iraq? Don't you dare think they are a small team, because they are not, and I guarantee you that. First, there's a fact you need to know: Do you know Bolivia? It's a good South American team, and Iraq beat them in Mexico (referring to the playoff match). Second, do you know Spain? It was a friendly, yes, but they drew with Spain.'

Deschamps continued: 'We have enough time, a few days left, but let no one among you think the match will be easy just because we are the French national team. Because there have been other big teams who thought that way; big teams playing against teams weaker than Iraq.'

The France coach warned, 'Also, this may seem natural, but don't think we will make the difference sooner or later. Those big teams failed to do so, and I don't want the same thing to happen to us, I don't want us to expect that to happen.'

Highlighted Iraq's Playing Style

Deschamps also drew attention to Iraq's playing style, saying, 'They are a good team, they play simple football but they do it impressively. You will see this later, they play with a 4-4-2, which is a good tactical style, and they have huge players in the attacking line. They have elements with good technical skills, they put in a flawless performance, and they have the capacity to react. I'm telling you all this, lads, keep it in mind.'

Saliba also expressed hope that the pitch in Philadelphia would be better than the one at the New York/New Jersey stadium, which they had criticized.

France Defender Saliba Warns Against Underestimating Iraq Ahead of World Cup Clash