France vs Iraq Prediction & Picks - World Cup
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by Tyler Doty | in World Cup Picks
Les Bleus will play their second match in Group I of the 2026 World Cup against Iraq this Monday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Despite a tough first half against Senegal, the team coached by Didier Deschamps stepped up their game after halftime to secure a valuable 3-1 victory. They now aim to clinch their spot in the Round of 16! After scoring two goals in the first match, Kylian Mbappé is expected to lead France to another victory.
Iraq, however, should not be taken lightly. Despite their heavy 1-4 loss to Norway in their Group I opener, the Lions of Mesopotamia have shown flashes of promise. Nevertheless, the team that appears to be the most beatable in this group will have to pull off a major upset on Monday night if it hopes to come away with a positive result. It’s hard to imagine that scenario, given how much Les Bleus stepped up their game in the second half against Senegal.
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France vs Iraq Form
Table
| Teams | Pts | P | W | D | L | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2
|
3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +2 |
|
4
|
0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -3 |
France and Iraq Latest Matches
5/6 (83%)
0/6 (0%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 16, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 8, 2026 - International Friendlies
Jun 4, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 29, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 26, 2026 - International Friendlies
Nov 16, 2025 - World Cup
5/6 (83%)
0/6 (0%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 16, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 8, 2026 - International Friendlies
Jun 4, 2026 - International Friendlies
Nov 13, 2025 - World Cup
Oct 10, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 9, 2025 - World Cup
5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Mar 29, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 26, 2026 - International Friendlies
Nov 16, 2025 - World Cup
Oct 13, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 5, 2025 - World Cup
Jun 8, 2025 - UEFA Nations League
2/6 (33%)
1/6 (17%)
3/6 (50%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 16, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 9, 2026 - International Friendlies
Jun 4, 2026 - International Friendlies
May 29, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 31, 2026 - World Cup
Dec 12, 2025 - Arab Cup
4/6 (67%)
0/6 (0%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 16, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 9, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 31, 2026 - World Cup
Dec 3, 2025 - Arab Cup
Nov 18, 2025 - World Cup
Oct 11, 2025 - World Cup
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 4, 2026 - International Friendlies
May 29, 2026 - International Friendlies
Dec 12, 2025 - Arab Cup
Dec 9, 2025 - Arab Cup
Dec 6, 2025 - Arab Cup
Nov 13, 2025 - World Cup
France - Iraq: Form Analysis
After a difficult preparation period, we were eager to see how France would perform in its opening match of the 2026 World Cup. The team kicked off with a highly anticipated showdown against Senegal in Group I. The first half wasn’t particularly reassuring, as the French players failed to make a difference.
Things picked up after halftime when Michael Olise was moved into the center. With a sublime through ball, he set up Kylian Mbappé, who broke the deadlock in the 66th minute. About fifteen minutes later, Bradley Barcola, who had just entered the game, extended the lead. Didier Deschamps’ team saw the Lions narrow the gap in the very final moments of the match, before Kylian Mbappé sealed the victory for his team (3-1).
Les Bleus put on a top-notch second-half performance against Senegal.
For its long-awaited return to the World Cup, Iraq faced a tough challenge. Drawn into a very competitive group, it kicked off with a high-profile match against Norway. It took just 30 minutes for Erling Haaland to break the deadlock for the Norwegians. The Lions of Mesopotamia, however, managed to equalize 10 minutes later.
Erling Haaland restored his team’s lead before halftime. Although they weren’t necessarily outplayed, Graham Arnold’s men were unable to get back into the game this time. In fact, they conceded two more goals in the final 15 minutes of the match (1-4). It won’t be easy for them to get on the board against one of the favorites in this World Cup.
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Iraq v France last Lineups
Formation : 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Formation : 4 - 4 - 2
Substitutes
R. Risser
B. Samba
DefenderM. Gusto
I. Konate
L. Hernandez
L. Digne
M. Lacroix
MidfielderM. Akliouche
W. Zaire-Emery
N. Kante
R. Cherki
M. Kone
ForwardB. Barcola
J. Mateta
M. Thuram
A. Basil
F. Talib
DefenderM. Younus
F. Putros
R. Sulaka
A. Maknazi
Mustafa Saadoon
MidfielderK. Yakob
A. Sher
Z. Iqbal
Y. Amyn
ForwardA. Yousif
M. Ali
M. Farji
A. Qasem
France & Iraq Squad Analysis
In France’s opening match, Mike Maignan wasn’t exactly reassuring in goal. The AC Milan goalkeeper expects to raise his level of play as the World Cup progresses. In front of him, Dayot Upamecano delivered a standout performance. After stringing together strong performances with Bayern Munich, he seems poised to do the same with Les Bleus. In midfield, Adrien Rabiot stood out from the crowd. He even provided the assist for Bradley Barcola’s goal (82nd minute).
While Ousmane Dembélé struggled to make his mark, what can be said about Michael Olise’s performance? He was the one who sparked the comeback after halftime, when he was repositioned in the center. He set up Kylian Mbappé beautifully for the opening goal (66th). The captain of Les Bleus grew in confidence as the game went on. After missing a few big chances, Kylian Mbappé got back on track to score two goals, including a sublime final strike. With these goals, he became the all-time leading scorer in French soccer history.
Michael Olise’s repositioning in the center changed the course of the game for France against Senegal.
As for Iraq, Jalal Hassan struggled to make an impact in goal against Norway. Although he allowed only 5 shots on target, he conceded nearly 4 goals. The Mesopotamian Lions’ defense is likely to face an even tougher challenge on Matchday 2 of the group stage.
As a result, Zaid Tahseen and Akam Hashem will need to be at the top of their game in the center of the defense. In midfield, keep a close eye on Amir Al Ammari, the Cracovia midfielder. On the offensive end, Aymen Hussein is the one to watch. He scored his team’s only goal against Norway. The Al-Karma forward is hoping to follow that up with another goal against another tough opponent.
Most goals and assists
France
Iraq
K. Mbappe
(2 Goals)
A. Hussein
(1 Goals)
A. Rabiot
(1 Assists)
,
M. Olise
(1 Assists)
A. Alammari
(1 Assists)
France - Iraq Key Points
- France defeated Senegal in their opening match of the World Cup (3-1).
- Kylian Mbappé scored twice against Senegal.
- If they win, France will advance to the round of 16.
- Iraq kicked off this World Cup with a loss to Norway (1-4).
- Iraq has not kept a single clean sheet in its last three matches.
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Our France vs Iraq Prediction
France kicked off this World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Senegal! Les Bleus put on a strong performance after halftime, especially after moving Michael Olise into the center. The Bayern Munich star delivered numerous perfect assists to Kylian Mbappé, who made the most of them by scoring a brace. The Real Madrid forward is off to a strong start in this tournament and has no intention of letting up for this second matchday of the group stage.
Our prediction for France vs. Iraq: France to win & Kylian Mbappé to score!
France vs Iraq - Other Interesting Picks
France Over 2.5 Goals
Mbappe to Score 2+
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France vs Iraq match : Frequently asked questions
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