France vs Iraq predictions and betting tips – Backing Mbappe to lead a French goal rush

France looked a bit rusty for an hour against Senegal but once they found their rhythm the game was over. That’s the scary thing about this side. They can be below their best and still have enough quality to win comfortably.

Iraq deserve huge credit for reaching their first World Cup in 40 years, but after shipping four against Norway this feels like a nightmare matchup for them.

France are one of my picks to win the tournament and I think they make a real statement here. If they get in front early, this could get ugly. France beat Senegal 3-1 in their opener with Mbappe scoring twice, while Iraq were comfortably beaten 4-1 by Norway.

Here are my three tips for the game:

• France -2 Handicap – 5/6 with Sky Bet
• Kylian Mbappe to score 2 or more goals – 5/2 with bet365
• Correct score 4-0 France – 13/2 with bet365

France vs Iraq head-to-head overview

• Date: Monday 22 June 2026
• Kick-off: 10pm BST
• Venue: Philadelphia Stadium
• Where to watch: BBC One / BBC iPlayer
• Referee: TBC
• Last meeting: Never previously met
• Favourite to win: France (around 1/11)

France vs Iraq predicted lineups

Didier Deschamps is unlikely to take any chances despite France’s strong position in the group and has already stressed the importance of securing qualification as quickly as possible. Iraq will likely try and tighten things up after conceding four goals against Norway.

• France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Konate, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe
• Iraq (4-4-2): Jalal Hassan; Adnan, Al-Amari, Natiq, Youssef; Farhan, Al-Ammari, Rashid, Faraj; Hussein, Farji

France vs Iraq predictions

I know France weren’t perfect against Senegal, but I’m not reading too much into that. Tournament football is all about finding a way to win and once they clicked into gear in the second half, the difference in quality was obvious.

Mbappe was outstanding, Olise grew into the game and suddenly Senegal couldn’t live with them. France eventually ran out 3-1 winners with Mbappe scoring twice to become his country’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Iraq are one of the stories of the tournament and it’s great to see them back on this stage after such a long absence.

Graham Arnold has done a brilliant job getting them here, but there was a huge gulf in class when they came up against Norway. They conceded four, looked vulnerable defensively and could easily have shipped more on another day.

The more I look at this game, the more I think it sets up perfectly for France. Iraq are likely to sit deep and try to stay in the contest, but France have too much pace, too much movement and too many match-winners

I think Mbappe is in the mood, I think France smell blood and I can see them putting together one of the most convincing performances of the group stage. I’m calling it 4-0.

France vs Iraq betting tips

All three of my bets revolve around the same view. France are one of the strongest teams in the competition, Iraq struggled badly against Norway and I think the gap between these sides is simply too big.

France can make a statement

Eventually the quality told against Senegal and I see a similar scenario playing out here.

Iraq conceded four against Norway and now face an attack containing Mbappe, Dembele, Olise and Barcola. That’s a frightening prospect. If France get the first goal early enough, I can see them running away with it.

Bet on France -2 Handicap at 5/6 with Sky Bet

Mbappe to steal the headlines again

When France score goals, Mbappe is usually at the heart of it. He arrives off the back of a brace against Senegal and is clearly full of confidence after becoming France’s all-time leading scorer.

Against a defence that struggled to contain Norway, I fancy him to have a field day.

Bet on Kylian Mbappe to score 2 or more goals at 5/2 with bet365

A long night for Iraq

Iraq deserve enormous respect for getting to this World Cup, but this is a huge jump in class.

France know goal difference could become important later in the tournament and I don’t see them taking their foot off the gas if they get themselves into a commanding position.

 Bet on the correct score 4-0 France at 13/2 with bet365

France vs Iraq latest odds

Find the latest France vs Iraq betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

World Cup 2026 predictions

I’ve got plenty more predictions covering World Cup 2026 and there are tips and previews for every game.

Find more predictions and betting tips from our expert punters in our match preview overview.

Important historical facts about France and Iraq for betting

• France beat Senegal 3-1 in their opener despite an uneven performance for much of the game.
• Kylian Mbappe scored twice against Senegal to become France’s all-time leading goalscorer with 58 international goals.
• Iraq were beaten 4-1 by Norway in their opening Group I fixture.
• This is the first ever meeting between France and Iraq.
• France have reached the last two World Cup finals and remain one of the favourites to lift the trophy again.
• Iraq are appearing at a World Cup finals for the first time since 1986.

About the author

Dave Potter

Dave Potter is the founder of GYTO and has a huge following on X. Dave Potter studies the form and provides daily horse racing tips and football predictions.

Find Dave’s on GYTO’s X

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.