France will be hoping to pick up another victory when they take on Iraq in Group I at the 2026 World Cup. Here is our New Zealand vs Egypt Bet Builder, coming in at a whopping 14/1
France’s opening game saw them start slowly before eventually beating Senegal 3-1. Iraq weren’t able to find a victory — they were defeated 4-1 by Norway.
Our France vs Iraq bet builder is available at around 14/1 with Betfair. Read on as we break down each selection and explain why it stands out ahead of this Group I showdown.
France vs Iraq Bet Builder Tip
Over 3.5 goals
The case here rests on an extraordinary combination of attacking quality and defensive fragility. France scored three against Senegal and Norway put four past Iraq six days ago – with the over 3.5 goals line available at even money reflecting how realistic this outcome genuinely is.
Iraq conceded nine goals across nine qualifying matches – a pattern of defensive vulnerability that accelerated dramatically against Norway’s direct, physical style. France carry even greater individual quality than Norway. Mbappé has already scored twice at this tournament, becoming France’s all-time record scorer in the process, with Olise, Dembélé and Barcola providing relentless support.
Iraq need to attack – a second successive defeat effectively ends their World Cup campaign. Graham Arnold will push his side forward, which inevitably opens spaces for France to exploit on the counter. Four or more goals across 90 minutes is not just possible – it is the most plausible single outcome on the night.
Michael Olise anytime goalscorer
Olise enters this fixture as the form player in the entire French squad – and the player most likely to add a goal to his already outstanding creative output. He reached ten goal involvements for France in just 18 appearances and delivered a Man of the Match performance on his World Cup debut against Senegal – laying on a goal and creating four chances, while covering more ground and making more sprints than any other player on the pitch.
Olise scored 27 goals in just 66 games across his first two Bayern Munich seasons – a remarkable return that underlines his ability to convert chances as well as create them. Against Senegal he came closest to scoring when Édouard Mendy denied him with a strong save – unlucky not to open his World Cup account. Against a significantly weaker Iraq defence that conceded four to Norway, Olise will find far more space to shoot from. His anytime scorer price carries exceptional value given his form and the quality of the opposition.
Zaid Tahseen to be booked
Tahseen is a physically imposing centre-back at 6ft 4in who plays with aggression and intensity at every level – a profile that consistently earns referee attention against elite attacking opposition. He received a red card against Indonesia during AFC qualifying in October 2025 – the most serious disciplinary incident available in his recent record.
France will attack relentlessly through Mbappé’s central movement and Olise’s drifting runs from wide positions – two patterns of play that drag defenders into desperate last-ditch interventions. Iraq’s entire defensive unit leaked four goals against Norway, suggesting Tahseen’s back four carries significant individual vulnerabilities when stretched.
Against a France attack that generates the highest shot volume of any team in Group I, Tahseen will face repeated one-on-one situations throughout the match. His red card history and aggressive defensive style make him a strong booking selection in Philadelphia.
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