Jules Kounde started for France as the Barcelona defender helped Didier Deschamps’ side beat Iraq 3-0 and seal their place in the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds.
Kounde was named in the France starting XI at right-back for Monday night’s Group I match in Philadelphia, with Les Bleus moving to six points from two games after goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
Mbappe scored twice, while Dembele added the third midway through the second half. Kounde played until the 83rd minute before being replaced by Malo Gusto, according to FOX Sports’ match centre.
Why Kounde’s France role matters for Barcelona
The update matters for Barcelona because Kounde is not simply making up the numbers in the France squad. He remains trusted in a high-pressure knockout race, and another start under Deschamps keeps his match rhythm sharp before Hansi Flick’s squad reconvenes for pre-season.
France had already opened the tournament with a 3-1 win over Senegal, and this second victory leaves them in control of Group I. For Kounde, the night was another reminder that his defensive reliability continues to carry weight at international level as well as at club level.
Barcelona will now watch his workload carefully, but his involvement is a positive sign: Kounde is fit, selected, and already through to the serious part of the competition.
