Germany could meet France in the round of 16

A round-of-16 clash with Germany is already on the table

Your team won the opener against Senegal and Germany's path could cross yours next. If Germany finish second in their group, France face them in the round of 16 (1). Not a prediction, just how the bracket is shaping up. The tournament's first real heavyweight test could come earlier than expected.

Olise is France's creative heartbeat, says Jonathan Wilson

The Guardian's Jonathan Wilson has singled out Michael Olise as France's standout creative player at this World Cup (2). High praise, and deserved. Olise has been pulling the strings, and his importance to Deschamps' setup is only growing.

Real Madrid: no contact for Olise

Despite rumors swirling, Real Madrid have not made any approach for Michael Olise, the club confirmed (3). Nothing to see here, Olise is focused on the World Cup and those stories can wait.

Mbappé and Dembélé steal the show in training

Training ahead of Monday's match against Iraq turned into a highlight reel. Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé both scored stunning goals in the session, with Robin Risser and Brice Samba left with no chance (4). Deschamps kept his squad grounded afterwards: "None of you should think it will be easy just because it's the French team," he told them, warning that bigger sides have underestimated opponents like Iraq before (4).

Riolo and Gautreau clash over the Olise-Dembélé-Mbappé trio

The attacking setup is splitting opinion in France. Riolo, Gautreau, and Chanot went at it over how to use Olise, Dembélé, and Mbappé together, and whether Saliba's form is a concern (5). The debate isn't going away. Three elite forwards, one starting XI, and a defence some pundits are watching closely ahead of Iraq.

Mbappé: captain, leader, already on the scoresheet

A brace in the opener and a presence that teammates feel. "You feel he wants it, this is his competition," one report noted (6). Mbappé is not just wearing the armband, he is driving this France campaign from the front.

Saliba: the dressing room is buzzing

William Saliba says the squad atmosphere is excellent. "On s'amuse bien, on rigole bien", we're having fun, we're laughing a lot (8). He also named the funniest players in the squad ahead of the Iraq match (7). A loose, confident group heading into matchday two.