France vs Iraq: Betting Tips, Odds & Bet Builder Picks

Harry Paterson | 15:00 Monday 22nd June 2026

France can secure an early place in the World Cup 2026 knockout stages when they face struggling Iraq in Philadelphia.

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France can book their place in the World Cup 2026 knockout stages with a game to spare when they take on Iraq in Philadelphia on Monday. Didier Deschamps' side began their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal, inspired by Kylian Mbappe, who became France's all-time leading men's goalscorer and set a new national World Cup scoring record.

Iraq, meanwhile, were beaten 4-1 by Norway in their opener and now face an uphill battle to keep their qualification hopes alive. With Les Bleus scoring at least twice in 13 of their last 14 matches, the 2018 champions will be expected to underline their status as Group I favourites.

France vs Iraq Best Bets

Recommended Bet: France Over 2.5 Goals
Best Odds: 8/15 (bet365)
Advised Stake: 2pts

France may have taken time to hit top gear against Senegal, but once they found their rhythm they scored three times in the final half-hour and looked every bit the tournament favourites. That late attacking surge should be a concern for Iraq, whose defensive structure collapsed against Norway after a competitive opening hour.

The Lions of Mesopotamia conceded four goals from just 12 Norwegian shots and struggled badly when runners attacked the space behind their back line. That is a worrying sign ahead of a meeting with Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola, arguably the quickest and most direct forward line in the competition.

Didier Deschamps' side have now scored in 14 consecutive matches and have netted at least three goals in six of their last nine internationals. Their attacking depth is also a major weapon, with Barcola coming off the bench to score against Senegal and several elite options capable of changing the game in the latter stages.

Iraq's disciplined approach is likely to keep the score respectable for a period, but they tired noticeably against Norway and were punished by individual mistakes late on. If a similar pattern develops in Philadelphia, France's superior quality should eventually tell.

With Les Bleus chasing top spot in Group I and potentially looking to boost their goal difference ahead of a likely showdown with Norway, backing France to score three or more goals looks a strong angle.

Who is the favourite in France vs Iraq?

France are overwhelming favourites at just 1/10 (Akbets), implying close to a 90% chance of victory, while the draw is priced at 11/1 (Ladbrokes) and an Iraq win is a huge 33/1 (William Hill) outsider. Those odds reflect the gulf in quality between the sides, with France opening their campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal and extending their run to 14 consecutive matches with a goal, while Iraq were comfortably beaten 4-1 by Norway in their first outing.

France vs Iraq Bet Builder Tip

Ibrahim Bayesh Over 1.5 Fouls Committed
Jules Koundé 1+ Foul
Michael Olise 2+ Shots On Target

Ibrahim Bayesh Over 1.5 Fouls Committed

Bayesh could be one of Iraq's busiest players against France, with the right midfielder likely tasked with shielding the defence against a relentless French attack rather than getting forward. Iraq will rely on Bayesh to disrupt the supply line into Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola.

The numbers suggest a strong case for Bayesh to be involved in fouls. He has committed 2+ fouls in five of his last 12 appearances, while also recording one foul in another five matches. Against Theo Hernandez and Desire Doue (?) on his flank he should be busy.

Jules Koundé 1+ Foul

Iraq drew a fair few fouls from Norway's attackers in their 4-1 loss.

Alexander Sørloth committed 3 fouls, Haaland committed 2 fouls, Odegaard committed 1 foul, and Ryersen who plays an attacking role at right back committed 2 fouls.

Sorloth, Odegaard and Ryersen all played down the right and committed 6 fouls between them.

This might be in part due to the fact that Merchas Doski plays at left back for Iraq. He drew four fouls in that game.

Doski recent Fouls Won for Iraq: 4, 0, 5, 2, 2, 3, 0, 3, 4, 0, 1, 0, 2, 3, 0

Koundé's role in this game is likely to be more attacking than defending, and could find himself high up the pitch clashing with Doski as he looks to dribble out of defence.