France vs Iraq Predictions, Picks & Odds – 23/06/2026
France vs Iraq – Best bets of the match
France vs Iraq Preview
France enter this World Cup in strong form, winning three of their last four competitive fixtures. Didier Deschamps' squad rounded off preparations with a convincing 3-1 friendly victory over Northern Ireland, though a minor muscle concern for Jules Koundé will be monitored closely. Reports of internal tensions over image rights and bonus structures have surfaced, but the two-time champions possess extraordinary depth, with Kylian Mbappé chasing Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup goal record.
Iraq return to the World Cup for the first time since 1986, a remarkable achievement in itself. Their recent results have been difficult, however, with just one draw from three matches heading into the tournament. Captain Jalal Hassan is back in the squad after missing the Play-Off Tournament victory over Bolivia through injury, which provides a welcome boost. Midfielder Amir Al Ammari will be central to any hope of competing against vastly more experienced opposition at Lincoln Financial Field.
France's recent form points firmly towards a home win at 1.11. Three victories from their last four outings, including a convincing 3-1 friendly success over Northern Ireland, underline the depth and quality at Didier Deschamps' disposal. Iraq, by contrast, have managed just one draw from three recent results, losing the other two. That disparity in momentum alone makes the home win selection a comfortable starting point.
The attacking firepower available to France strengthens this pick considerably. Kylian Mbappé has scored 12 goals across 14 World Cup matches and is hunting Miroslav Klose's all-time record. Alongside reigning Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and the electric Michael Olise, Les Bleus possess a front line capable of overwhelming any defence. Over 2.5 goals at N/A looks well supported given that offensive talent.
Iraq's return to the World Cup after 40 years is a remarkable story, yet the gulf in quality here is vast. Captain Jalal Hassan has only just returned from injury, and the squad lacks tournament experience at this level. A France win paired with over 2.5 goals represents the best value reading of this fixture. Both teams to score at N/A also merits consideration if Iraq's midfield creator Amir Al Ammari finds pockets of space.
Trends to Know about France vs Iraq
- France won three of four recent matches
- Iraq winless in last three outings
- Mbappé has 12 World Cup goals scored
Form & Statistics: France vs Iraq
France
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Iraq
Recent form
Season statistics (4)
Lineups: France vs Iraq
France
Starters
- 1 Mike Maignan
- 2 Jules Koundé
- 3 William Saliba
- 4 Dayot Upamecano
- 5 Theo Hernandez
- 6 Aurelien Tchouameni
- 7 Adrien Rabiot
- 8 Michael Olise
- 9 Ousmane Dembele
- 10 Desire Doue
- 11 Kylian Mbappe
Bench
- Brice Samba
- Lucas Digne
- Ibrahima Konate
- Manu Kone
- Warren Zaire-Emery
- N'Golo Kante
- Bradley Barcola
- Rayan Cherki
- Marcus Thuram
- Jean-Philippe Mateta
Absent
- Hugo Ekitike (Achilles tendon rupture)
Iraq
Starters
- 1 Jalal Hassan
- 2 Hussein Ali
- 3 Zaid Tahseen
- 4 Rebin Sulaka
- 5 Merchas Doski
- 6 Youssef Amyn
- 7 Zidane Iqbal
- 8 Amir Al-Ammari
- 9 Ibrahim Bayesh
- 10 Aymen Hussein
- 11 Ali Al Hamadi
Bench
- Fahad Talib
- Ahmed Basil
- Manaf Younis
- Frans Putros
- Mustafa Saadoon
- Zaid Ismail
- Kevin Yakob
- Aimar Sher
- Ahmed Qasem
- Marko Farji
- Ali Jassim
- Mohanad Ali
Absent
- Ahmed Yahya (Injury a couple of days before the tournament, replaced in squad)
Medium confidence
Both sides line up in a 4-2-3-1, creating a mirror-image tactical contest. France's structure is built around Kylian Mbappé as the focal point, with Olise and Dembélé providing width and Tchouaméni anchoring the double pivot against a disciplined Iraqi block.
Iraq's 4-2-3-1 is compact and organised, with Zidane Iqbal offering technical quality in midfield and Ali Al Hamadi leading the line. The Lions of Mesopotamia will need to be defensively resolute if they are to contain France's attacking depth across 90 minutes.
How to Watch France vs Iraq Match?
What time is France vs Iraq?
France vs Iraq kicks off on 23 June 2026 at 02:30 IST at Lincoln Financial Field.
Where is France vs Iraq being played?
This match will be played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, United States.
How Can I Watch France vs Iraq on TV and Live Stream?
Broadcasting details for France vs Iraq will be confirmed closer to the tournament by official FIFA broadcast partners.
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