Get our France vs Iraq prediction, lineups, and betting tips ahead of Monday's match. Discover the best odds and bet builder picks for this clash.
France vs Iraq Match Summary
Competition | World Cup 2026 |
|---|---|
Match Date | Monday 22 June 2026 |
Match Time | 22:00 UK time |
Venue (City, Stadium) | Philadelphia, Lincoln Financial Field |
Broadcast (TV / Streaming / Radio / Bookmaker Streaming) | RTE 2 |
France look to seal their place in the World Cup knockout stages when they face Iraq in a Group I clash in Philadelphia on Monday evening.
Les Bleus opened their campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Senegal, with Kylian Mbappé's brace underlining their status as tournament favourites.
Iraq are back at the World Cup for the first time in 40 years but face an uphill battle after a 4-1 defeat to Norway on Matchday 1 left their hopes hanging by a thread.
This is the first ever competitive senior meeting between France and Iraq, and a win here would confirm Les Bleus' progress to the Round of 32.
France vs Iraq Form
France have been in strong form across recent internationals and have scored two or more goals in 14 of their last 16 outings. Mbappé, now on 58 international goals, is the spearhead, though their defence has been leaky with no clean sheet in six consecutive matches.
Iraq qualified for this tournament by beating Bolivia in a play-off, but momentum stalled with that heavy Norway loss. Aymen Hussein scored their first World Cup goal in 40 years in that fixture, and he remains their biggest threat going forward.
France vs Iraq Lineups & Team News
Injuries & Suspensions
France: No injuries or suspensions reported.
Iraq: No injuries or suspensions reported.
France
France are unlikely to make changes from the Senegal win. Michael Olise could start in a central role with Ousmane Dembélé shifting to the right. Bradley Barcola is expected to settle for a place on the bench despite scoring on Matchday 1.
Iraq
Iraq have no injury concerns or suspensions heading into this fixture. Goalkeeper Jalal Hassan will be key if they are to pull off a shock result. Zidane Iqbal is pushing for a start after coming on for the final 30 minutes against Norway.
France vs Iraq Predicted Lineup
France
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Starting Lineup: M. Maignan; J. Koundé, W. Saliba, D. Upamecano, T. Hernández; A. Tchouaméni, A. Rabiot; O. Dembélé, M. Olise, D. Doué; K. Mbappé
Iraq
Formation: 4-1-3-2
Predicted Starting Lineup: A. Basil; H. Ali, Z. Tahseen, A. Hashim, M. Doski; Z. Iqbal; M. Farji, A. A. Ammari, A. Jasim; A. Hussein, A. A. Hamadi
France vs Iraq Key Stats & Match Facts
France have won eight of their last ten internationals, with the only blemishes a draw against Iceland and a narrow defeat to Spain.
France have scored two or more goals in 14 of their last 16 matches across all competitions.
Iraq have won just four of their last ten fixtures and suffered a 4-1 defeat to Norway on Matchday 1.
France have failed to keep a clean sheet in six consecutive matches, with both teams scoring in each of those outings.
This is the first ever competitive senior international meeting between France and Iraq.
France vs Iraq Prediction & Best Bets
Our prediction: France 3-1 Iraq. Les Bleus have far too much quality across the pitch and France are expected to score around three goals. Iraq have shown they can find the net, with Aymen Hussein a threat, and France's leaky defence at the back suggests the underdogs can grab one.
Best Bets
Over 3.5 Goals at 19/20 (Live Score UK). France's fixtures have been high-scoring affairs, with both teams scoring in their last six. We are expecting a total of over four goals here, making Over 3.5 a strong play.
Kylian Mbappé Anytime Goalscorer at Evens (QuinnBet). Mbappé has a strong chance of scoring and has found the net in seven consecutive appearances. Against a defence that shipped four to Norway, this looks a standout pick.
France vs Iraq Bet Builder
Our three-leg bet builder combines Kylian Mbappé to have over 3.5 shots, Mbappé to score anytime, and France to score over 1.5 home goals at a combined price of 10/11.
Mbappé Over 3.5 Shots has landed in each of his last ten matches. He is projected for over five shots here, making this comfortably the safest leg of the selection.
Mbappé Anytime Goalscorer has hit in seven of his last seven outings. With his current goalscoring form, the France captain should easily trouble a porous Iraq backline.
Over 1.5 France Goals has landed in ten of their last ten fixtures. Les Bleus are expected to score around three goals in this match, which makes the home goals line a compelling angle.
At the time of writing, this bet builder pays a best price of 10/11 and is as short as 16/25 elsewhere. That's a difference in potential winnings of £3 from best to worst price.
Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builder with Oddschecker's Exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.
Bet builder odds correct at time of publishing.
France vs Iraq Talking Points
Mbappé surpassed Olivier Giroud as France's all-time leading male scorer after his opening-day brace took his tally to 58 international goals, and he will fancy adding to that against an Iraq side who conceded four to Norway. Iraq's story at this tournament is a romantic one. Back at the World Cup after a 40-year absence, Aymen Hussein's header against Norway gave the nation its first goal at the finals since 1986. France's inability to keep clean sheets remains a genuine concern. Six consecutive matches without one suggests Iraq can find the net, especially if rain in Philadelphia slows the pitch and disrupts the hosts' quick passing game.
France vs Iraq Predictions FAQs
When is the France vs Iraq World Cup 2026 match?
The France vs Iraq World Cup 2026 match is scheduled to take place on Monday 22 June 2026, kicking off at 22:00 UK time.
Where can I find the lineups for France vs Iraq?
The confirmed lineups and team news for France vs Iraq will be updated in this preview ahead of the kick-off on Monday 22 June 2026.
What are the best betting tips for France vs Iraq?
Our expert betting tips, predictions, and bet builder selections for France vs Iraq are detailed in this match preview.
What is the prediction for France vs Iraq?
Our detailed prediction for the France vs Iraq World Cup 2026 match is available in this preview, covering key analysis and odds.
Disclaimer
Please note: Some links within this article point to betting promotions or offers related to France vs Iraq. These were accurate at the point of publication but may since have been withdrawn, amended, or replaced.
The betting operators featured here are ones our football team works with directly and has first-hand knowledge of. Opening an account through one of these links may result in Oddschecker earning a commission, which helps fund our editorial work and allows us to keep producing expert football coverage throughout World Cup 2026.
Please gamble responsibly. 18+.
