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

* Prices from Betway, accurate when this was written.

Iraq and France face off at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on 22 June, kicking off at 23:00 CAT, in the second round of Group I games. France have three points after Kylian Mbappe led a 3-1 win over Senegal, while Iraq need to bounce back from a painful 4-1 defeat to Norway to keep their hopes of going through alive. You can find every World Cup betting tips we have in our dedicated section.

Iraq

Iraq are last in Group I without a point after losing 4-1 to Norway, and I think Graham Arnold will once more set up a deep block to frustrate a much stronger team. The bright spot was Aymen Hussein, who scored with a clever header, and Ali Al Hamadi gives them real speed for counter attacks. Keeper Jalal Hassan held on to his spot after coming back from injury, though he had a tough time in the first game and will be busy again. In truth, Iraq must not concede early and need to stay tight, because another big defeat would almost end their World Cup before the final round.

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

France

France sit level with Norway at the top of the group after Mbappe became their record goalscorer with a late double against Senegal, and winning here would book their spot in the last 32. Didier Deschamps can change his first eleven, but I think he will keep a strong core, with William Saliba cleared to play despite a back problem being managed and Ousmane Dembele available after being eased in following a long season. A front three of Mbappe, Olise and Dembele has far too much quality for an Iraq side focused on defending, and France made chances whenever they wanted once they picked up the pace after the break last time. As I see it, Deschamps will change one or two spots but still pick a team good enough to win easily.

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

France have the attacking power to swamp a limited Iraq team that has already let in four goals, and with a place in the next round at stake I think Deschamps’ team will come out hard and try to wrap up the points early. Iraq will defend deep and could nick something on the break through Hussein, but the difference in quality should show over ninety minutes. My forecast: Iraq 0 France 3.

BTTS: No (1.41)

France put three past a strong Senegal team and now play a side that leaked four against Norway, so I think the holders will be in control once again. Iraq offered very little in attack in their first game and will defend deep here, so I am confident they will not score. BTTS: No at 1.41 goes hand in hand with an easy France win to nil.