No previous meetings between these teams.
-
1
Kylian Mbappé2 - 2Bradley Barcola1
- 3
Aymen Hussein1
- 1Kylian Mbappé4
- 2Ali Al Hamadi3
- 3Aymen Hussein3
- 4Zaid Tahseen2
- 5Désiré Doué2
- 6Michael Olise2
- 7Théo Hernández1
- 8Hussein Ali1
- 9Akam Hashim1
- 10Bradley Barcola1
- 1Merchas Doski5
- 2Dayot Upamecano5
- 3Zaid Ismael3
- 4Jules Koundé3
- 5Aurélien Tchouaméni2
- 6Mustafa Saadoon1
- 7Ali Al Hamadi1
- 8Théo Hernández1
- 9Marko Farji1
- 10Ibrahim Bayesh1
France face a tough test when they take on Iraq in Group I at the 2026 World Cup on Monday.
Didier Deschamps’ side asserted their dominance in their opening game, beating Senegal 3-1. Iraq struggled against Norway, and they emerged with no points following a 4-1 defeat. Kick off for this clash is scheduled for 10pm (UK time) on Monday 22nd June.
France vs Iraq predictions & betting tips
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Olise to have 2 or more shots on target | 1/1 @ Paddy Power (50%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Michael Olise won the Man of the Match on his World Cup debut against Senegal. He hit two shots on target in just 80 minutes and created the highest non-penalty xG+xA of any player at the tournament so far. Iraq conceded four goals to Norway and struggled to contain direct, pacey attackers. Olise will operate in a central role where he thrives, with space to shoot and create. He averaged 0.89 shots on target per game across his club career, and France will dominate possession against a limited Iraq side. At the price available, 2+ shots on target looks well within reach. |
| Correct score – France 3-0 Iraq | 5/1 @ William Hill (16.7%) | ⭐⭐ | France scored three goals in each of their last three matches before this fixture — beating Senegal 3-1, Northern Ireland 3-1, and Colombia 3-1. Iraq conceded four against Norway and have lost five of their last six games. France have failed to keep a clean sheet in six straight matches, but Iraq have scored just once in those six defeats. Deschamps will not rotate heavily with qualification not yet secured. The 3-0 scoreline reflects France’s consistent output and Iraq’s inability to find the net against top opposition. It is the most logical correct score in the market. |
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
How both teams go into France vs Iraq
France
France arrive in Philadelphia on Monday carrying an emphatic result from their opening fixture. Kylian Mbappe scored a brace to become the highest male French scorer of all time. That statistic alone tells you everything about the attacking mentality Didier Deschamps has instilled.
France head into this fixture boasting incredible form across all competitions. A win here seals their place in the knockout round with a game to spare. However, vulnerability remains. France have failed to keep a clean sheet in six straight games. That is a defensive fragility that Iraq’s quick counter-attackers will look to exploit.
Deschamps himself knows that there are things his side can do better. Monday’s match represents another examination for his squad. France enter as overwhelming favourites. This fixture will reveal whether they carry genuine tournament-winning credentials or simply surface-level dominance.
Iraq
Iraq arrive in Philadelphia on Monday carrying no points after a tough opening game. The Lions of Mesopotamia struggled against Norway. Erling Haaland inspired the Europeans to a 4-1 victory.
Aymen Hussein’s equaliser in the 39th minute gave Iraq brief hope. A defensive error allowed Norway to retake the lead before half-time. Iraq have never progressed beyond the group stage at a World Cup. Monday’s match represents the biggest obstacle standing between them and that historic landmark.
Their pre-tournament form adds some credibility. A 1-1 draw with Spain demonstrated real quality against elite European opposition. Graham Arnold has built a side that strikes quickly on the counter. That tactical identity could cause France real problems in Philadelphia. A point here would represent a significant achievement. Three points would be one of the results of the tournament.
France team news
France carry no injury concerns into Monday’s fixture. It’s a clean bill of health that gives Deschamps a genuinely difficult selection dilemma.
Deschamps has options across every position. Bradley Barcola scored as a substitute against Senegal. He is pushing hard for a starting berth in Philadelphia. A potential Barcola start could see Desire Doue drop to the bench. Lucas Digne and Manu Kone could also enter the starting lineup.
Iraq team news
Graham Arnold will look for much better cohesion from his centre-back pairing. Zaid Tahseen and Akam Hashim must stay completely tight against Kylian Mbappe. Jalal Hassan had an unconvincing display against Norway. Local reports speculate that Ahmed Basil could start in between the sticks instead.
Aymen Hussein scored the equaliser against Norway and will anchor the frontline. Ali Al-Hamadi will partner him in attack. Amir Al-Ammari and Zidane Iqbal will provide creativity from midfield.
Head-to-Head
These two nations have never met in men’s international football. This is a first World Cup encounter between the two nations. The fixture on Monday will give both nations the chance to pick up their first win over the other.
Will either side find the win they need to reach the knockout stage?
Both nations need a result in Group I to achieve their goals. A victory for France would all but guarantee them a place in the Round of 32. A victory for Iraq would keep their knockout dreams alive.
We’re backing Michael Olise to have another stand out game. You can get odds of evens with Paddy Power for Olise to have 2+ shots on target vs Iraq.
If you’re looking for a higher price, we’re keen on backing France to win 3-0 at a price of 5/1 with William Hill.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Read more:
