Top 3 Bets Summary
- Main Pick: France to Win
- Value Bet: France -2 European Handicap
- Player Prop: Kylian Mbappe to Score 2+ Goals
France vs Iraq Match Details
- Location: Philadelphia, USA
- Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field
- Date: 22/06/2026
- Kick-off Time: 23:00 SAST
Top 3 Betting Picks for France vs Iraq
| Picks | Winner prediction | Type of bet | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pick 1 | France to Win | Full-Time Result | 1.08 |
| Pick 2 | France -2 European Handicap | European Handicap | 1.80 |
| Pick 3 | Kylian Mbappe To Score 2+ Goals | Player Goals | 3.50 |
Pick 1: Full-Time Result: France to Win
While the odds are short, backing France in the Full-Time Result market is the foundation of any bet slip for this fixture. Their quality is simply on another level, and after shaking off a slow start against Senegal, they look unstoppable.
- Didier Deschamps’ side exploded in the second half against Senegal, scoring three goals from eight shots on target after a goalless first half.
- France have won 10 of their last 12 matches, demonstrating remarkable consistency against all levels of opposition.
- Iraq’s defence was exposed in a 4-1 defeat to Norway, and they are unlikely to contain the tournament favourites.
Pick 2: European Handicap: France -2
For those seeking better value, the handicap market offers a compelling angle. A comfortable victory for France is widely expected, and a multi-goal margin is well within their capabilities.
- Iraq’s goalkeeper, Jalal Hassan, had a difficult opening match, conceding four goals from five shots on target against Norway.
- France have scored more than 2.5 goals in five of their last seven games, showing they have the firepower to cover this handicap.
- Les Bleus’ second-half performance against Senegal, where they generated 1.75 xG, suggests they can dismantle weaker defences with ease.
Pick 3: Player Prop: Kylian Mbappe to Score 2+ Goals
Kylian Mbappe started the tournament in sensational form, and this matchup against a vulnerable Iraqi defence provides the perfect stage for him to add to his tally. This is an excellent player prop for accumulator builders.
- Mbappe netted a brace against Senegal, taking his average to 1.03 goals per 90 minutes across 15 appearances in this competition.
- He is now France’s all-time leading scorer and will be the focal point of every attack.
- Given Iraq’s defensive frailties, Mbappe is expected to get numerous high-quality chances to find the back of the net.
Recent Form & Head-to-Head
France enter this clash in formidable form, having won 10 of their last 12 games. Their 3-1 victory over Senegal showcased their ability to overcome adversity and unleash their attacking might when needed. They have been prolific, scoring over 1.5 goals in 11 of those 12 matches. The France vs Iraq H2H record is non-existent, as this will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations.
Iraq, conversely, are reeling from a 4-1 thumping by Norway. That result means they have conceded six goals in their last two outings. Their record against European sides at the finals is poor, with this being only their third such encounter, having lost the previous two. France, meanwhile, are unbeaten in five matches against teams from the AFC confederation.
Thu, 26 Mar  1 2 |
Sun, 29 Mar  1 3 |
Thu, 4 Jun 1  2 |
Mon, 8 Jun 3  1 |
Tue, 16 Jun (1.85 xG) 3  (0.65 xG) 1 | |
Mon, 22 Jun  | 21:00 |
Fri, 26 Jun  | 19:00 |
Sun, 18 Jan 0  3 |
Sat, 28 Mar 2  0 |
Tue, 31 Mar 3  1 |
Sun, 31 May  3 2 |
Tue, 9 Jun  0 0 | |
Tue, 16 Jun (1.85 xG) 3 (0.65 xG) 1 | |
Tue, 23 Jun | 00:00 |
Fri, 26 Jun | 19:00 |
Match Preview: France vs Iraq
This Group I fixture pits one of the tournament favourites against a true underdog. France demonstrated their champion credentials with a powerful second-half comeback to defeat Senegal 3-1 on matchday one. Their performance has solidified their status as a top contender to lift the trophy.
Iraq face an immense challenge after being thoroughly outclassed by Norway in their opener. They must find a way to shore up a defence that was easily breached, a task made even more difficult against an attack led by Kylian Mbappe. For France, a win would all but secure their place in the knockout stages, while Iraq are playing for survival.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Didier Deschamps has nearly a full squad to choose from for these France vs Iraq predictions. Defender Malo Gusto is the only minor concern after picking up a knock in training, which means Jules Kounde is likely to retain his spot at right-back. Expect a full-strength side as France look to secure qualification early.
For Iraq, head coach Graham Arnold may be forced into a change after Ali Jasim suffered a neck injury in the defeat to Norway. Ahmed Qasem is on standby to deputise. After a poor defensive showing, changes at the back could also be considered to try and contain the French onslaught.
France Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Hernandez, Upamecano, Saliba, Kounde; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Doue, Dembele, Olise; Mbappe
Iraq Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Hassan; Doski, Tahseen, Hashem, Ali; Qasem, Al-Ammari, Ismael, Bayesh; Al Hamadi, Hussein
| 1Brice Samba |
| 2Malo Gusto |
| 3Lucas Digne |
| 6Manu Kone |
| 9Marcus Thuram |
| 12Bradley Barcola |
| 13N’Golo Kante |
| 15Ibrahima Konate |
| 18Warren Zaire-Emery |
| 21Lucas Hernandez |
| 22Jean-Philippe Mateta |
| 23Robin Risser |
| 24Rayan Cherki |
| 25Maghnes Akliouche |
| 26Maxence Lacroix |
| 1Fahad Talib Raheem |
| 2Rebin Sulaka |
| 6Manaf Younis |
| 7Youssef Amyn |
| 10Mohanad Ali |
| 13Ali Yousif |
| 15Ahmed Hasan Maknzi |
| 19Kevin Yakob |
| 20Aimar Sher |
| 21Marko Farji |
| 22Ahmed Basil Fadhil |
| 25Mustafa Saadoon |
| 26Frans Dhia Putros |
| 11Ahmed Qasem |
| 24Zaid Ismail |
18+ , T&Cs apply, Play responsibly