World Cup 2026: Iraq vs France Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

France and Iraq meet at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on 22 June, kickoff at 23:00 CAT, in their second Group I outing. France arrive on three points after Kylian Mbappe inspired a 3-1 win over Senegal, while Iraq must respond to a chastening 4-1 loss to Norway to keep their qualification hopes breathing. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Iraq

Iraq sit bottom of Group I on zero points after that 4-1 defeat to Norway, and in my view Graham Arnold will again set up in a deep block to frustrate a far superior side. The positive for them was Aymen Hussein, who took his chance with a smart header, and Ali Al Hamadi gives them genuine pace to break with on the counter. Goalkeeper Jalal Hassan kept his place after returning from injury, though he endured a difficult night in their opener and will be tested again here. Realistically Iraq need to avoid conceding early and stay compact, because a second heavy loss would all but end their tournament before the final round.

Predicted Lineup: Hassan; Hussein Ali, Tahseen, Sulaka, Doski; Jasim, Ismael, Al Ammari, Bayesh; Hussein, Al Hamadi.

France

France top the group alongside Norway after Mbappe became their all-time leading scorer with a stoppage time double against Senegal, and a win here would seal their place in the last 32. Didier Deschamps can rotate his best eleven but I expect him to keep a strong spine, with William Saliba passed fit despite a managed back issue and Ousmane Dembele available after easing back from a heavy season. The forward line of Mbappe, Olise and Dembele carries far too much quality for a defensively minded Iraq, and France created chances at will once they raised the tempo in the second half last time out. My read is that Deschamps freshens one or two roles but still names a side capable of winning comfortably.

Predicted Lineup: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Theo Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Doue, Dembele; Mbappe.

France have the firepower to overwhelm a limited Iraq side that has already conceded four goals, and with qualification on the line I expect Deschamps’ side to be aggressive and look to secure the points early. Iraq will sit deep and may grab something on the counter through Hussein, but the gulf in class should tell across ninety minutes. My forecast: Iraq 0 France 3.

BTTS: No (1.41)

France scored three against a strong Senegal side and now meet opponents who gave up four to Norway, so I expect the holders to dominate again. Iraq created very little going forward in their opener and will sit deep here, which makes me confident they fail to score. BTTS: No at 1.41 fits a comfortable France win to nil.