World Cup
France
23 Jun 2026 02:30
Iraq
Prediction:
Home win 1.11
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France vs Iraq Predictions, Picks & Odds – 23/06/2026

World Cup · 2
23 Jun 2026 Philadelphia Stadium Louis Hecq

France vs Iraq – Best bets of the match

Our prediction
1: France to win
1.11 on Dafabet · Confidence High
Odds recorded on 21 Jun 2026 at 15:00 · Odds are subject to change
Competition: World Cup
Stage: Group Stage, 2
Date: 23 Jun 2026
Time: 02:30 IST
Stadium: Philadelphia Stadium

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

WWLWW
Wins4/5 (80%)
Draws0/5 (0%)
Losses1/5 (20%)

Season statistics (5)

3.4Total goals
67%Both teams score
2.1Goals scored
1.3Goals conceded

Iraq

Recent form

LLDL
Wins0/4 (0%)
Draws1/4 (25%)
Losses3/4 (75%)

Season statistics (4)

2.3Total goals
43%Both teams score
0.9Goals scored
1.4Goals conceded
StatisticFranceIraq
Last 5 results4W 1L·1D 3L
Avg goals scored2.1·0.9
Avg goals conceded1.3·1.4
Under 2.5 (last 5)0/5·3/4
Probable lineup

Lineups: France vs Iraq

France

4-2-3-1
  1. 1 Mike Maignan
  2. 2 Jules Koundé
  3. 3 William Saliba
  4. 4 Dayot Upamecano
  5. 5 Theo Hernandez
  6. 6 Aurelien Tchouameni
  7. 7 Adrien Rabiot
  8. 8 Michael Olise
  9. 9 Ousmane Dembele
  10. 10 Desire Doue
  11. 11 Kylian Mbappe
  • Brice Samba
  • Lucas Digne
  • Ibrahima Konate
  • Manu Kone
  • Warren Zaire-Emery
  • N'Golo Kante
  • Bradley Barcola
  • Rayan Cherki
  • Marcus Thuram
  • Jean-Philippe Mateta
  • Hugo Ekitike (Achilles tendon rupture)

Iraq

4-2-3-1
  1. 1 Jalal Hassan
  2. 2 Hussein Ali
  3. 3 Zaid Tahseen
  4. 4 Rebin Sulaka
  5. 5 Merchas Doski
  6. 6 Youssef Amyn
  7. 7 Zidane Iqbal
  8. 8 Amir Al-Ammari
  9. 9 Ibrahim Bayesh
  10. 10 Aymen Hussein
  11. 11 Ali Al Hamadi
  • Fahad Talib
  • Ahmed Basil
  • Manaf Younis
  • Frans Putros
  • Mustafa Saadoon
  • Zaid Ismail
  • Kevin Yakob
  • Aimar Sher
  • Ahmed Qasem
  • Marko Farji
  • Ali Jassim
  • Mohanad Ali
  • 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.