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Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni was omitted from the starting eleven for France's second Group I fixture at the 2026 World Cup against Iraq.
The Real Madrid star featured for the entire 90 minutes as France defeated Senegal 3–1 in their opening game on June 16; however, he was left out of Didier Deschamps's starting lineup for the Iraq encounter, reportedly sitting out after picking up an undisclosed knock. He was unable to join his teammates in training ahead of the match.
As widely anticipated, AS Roma's Manu Koné has stepped into the side in the center of France's midfield to fill Tchouaméni's role alongside Adrien Rabiot.
How Serious Is Tchouaméni's Issue?
Specifics regarding the nature of Tchouaméni's injury remain unclear, though Deschamps has been swift to ease concerns that the midfielder could join the likes of Germany's Nico Schotterbeck and Canada's Ismael Koné as further casualties of the tournament's opening phase.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the France boss told the media: "He [Tchouaméni] stayed in the gym doing stationary bike work and receiving treatment from a physiotherapist. At first glance, there's no cause for concern."
Deschamps has hinted that Tchouaméni's absence may be more a case of squad management than injury.
"It's a matter of managing the team," the manager added. "Not all the players, not even the starting eleven, can play every match. I believe there are about twenty players in my squad who could be considered starters, but unfortunately, there are only eleven players on the field. So yes, I will have to make changes on the pitch."
Alongside Koné, Deschamps also has N'Golo Kanté and Warren Zaïre-Emery available to fill in at the center of midfield.
Tchouaméni was not the only adjustment the manager made from the side that overcame Senegal, with Lucas Digne coming in for Théo Hernandez at left back and Bradley Barcola earning a start ahead of Desiré Doué in attack.
Meanwhile, William Saliba, who admitted he has had to "grit his teeth" and push through discomfort during this World Cup, retained his spot in defense alongside Dayot Upamecano.
What Next for France?
Provided Tchouaméni's problem is not serious, he could potentially come on as a substitute against Iraq and reclaim his starting berth for France's final group stage match against Norway on Friday.
SI answers is our AI answer engine trained on human-created content.
France will secure their place in the knockout rounds with a victory over Iraq, and their final standing in Group I is likely to hinge on the showdown with Norway.
If France finish top of the group, they will face one of the best third-placed teams in the round of 32. Should Deschamps's side finish as runners-up, however, they will be drawn against the second-place finisher from Group E—most likely Côte d'Ivoire.