- France have scored 3 times in their only FIFA World Cup group game so far, beating Senegal 3-1 in their opener.
- Iraq's Ayman Hussein has scored two of their last five goals and should be the most likely goalscorer for the Lions of Mesopotamia.
- France have won their last two matches, scoring 3 goals in each, while Iraq have lost their last two games.
Les Bleus are flying under Didier Deschamps
France will be the most disappointed team in FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I if they don't make it through to the round of 16 after picking up their third point in the group with a 3-1 win over Senegal in their first game. They face Iraq, who have scored a goal but were destroyed by Norway in their opening game last weekend, in what should be a lively clash at Philadelphia Stadium. The France vs Iraq prediction is shaping to be a closely watched one, as both sides are eager to secure points.
Didier Deschamps has managed to marry pragmatic, positional play with the explosiveness of the superstars in his side to create a France that is almost unstoppable when they find their rhythm. They have scored three goals in each of their last two outings, while Adrien Rabiot, who provided their assist against Senegal, looks to be a good bet to add to his recent assist record.
There is a lot to like about Iraq's approach to this game, however. Graham Arnold has implemented discipline and structure, while his teams are direct and can hurt the opposition on the counter-attack. They will park the bus in a 4-4-2 structure, with Amir Al-Ammari providing a threat from deep for his teammates to push forward in behind. Arnold's team could cause France problems if they make any mistakes in midfield, but this France vs Iraq preview highlights that the favorites will have too much quality for them in the long run.
France can unlock Iraq's defence
Kylian Mbappé has scored twice in his one World Cup group match for France and can continue his red-hot form in Monday's clash. A lot hangs on this game for both sides, with our France vs Iraq betting tips pointing towards France looking to get the perfect tune for a deep tournament run while Iraq, who earned their way to this stage through their own hard work and determination, will be full of emotion after their long road back to the World Cup.
It's difficult to back France to win the match at 1.1, so the France vs Iraq prediction here is to side with 'Both teams to score - Yes' at 2.8 while taking 'Over 2.5 goals' at a short, but still profitable, price of 1.32.
