France v Iraq – predictions and odds – 2026 World Cup (22/06/2026)

France and Iraq face off in a match where, on paper, the French side are clear favourites. Didier Deschamps’ side made a good impression in their World Cup opener and have the chance to all but secure their place in the next round if they pick up all three points.

The difference in individual quality between the two squads is evident, but in tournaments of this nature, handling the pressure and the small details often make all the difference.

Iraq come into the match needing to bounce back after a heavy defeat on matchday one. The Asian side know that another slip-up could leave them with no margin for error going into the final group match.

I expect France to dominate possession, with Iraq looking to defend deep near their own penalty area and hoping to catch their opponents off guard on the counter-attack.

France

The French side began their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal, a result that confirmed the team’s enormous attacking potential.

Beyond the scoreline, I particularly liked France’s ability to speed up the play when they found space. They didn’t need to dominate every aspect of the match to ultimately assert their superiority. In fact, they were outplayed by Senegal for long spells, particularly in the first half.

The key figure remains Kylian Mbappé, who once again stepped up at decisive moments and confirmed his excellent form. Around him, France boast a wealth of talent that is hard to match. Players such as Dembélé, Olise, Thuram and Barcola pose a constant threat regardless of who is on the pitch.

Defensively, too, they offer plenty of reassurance. The partnership of Saliba and Upamecano brings strength and speed to resolve tricky situations, whilst Maignan remains one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the tournament.

France tend to be at their best against opponents who sit back. Against teams that defend in a deep block, they have sufficient technical and physical resources to create chances consistently. That is why I believe this match could see France laying siege to their opponents for long stretches.

Iraq

Iraq did not get off to the start they had hoped for, losing 1–4 to Norway. The result was a harsh one, particularly as they managed to compete reasonably well at certain points in the match. However, every defensive error was ultimately punished by a formidable opposition led by the clinical Haaland.

In recent years, the Iraqi national team has shown itself to be a well-organised and competitive side within Asian football. Their main strength lies in their collective commitment and their ability to stay in matches even when they do not dominate possession.

In attack, Aymen Hussein remains one of the team’s key players. There are also players with good technical ability to launch counter-attacks, but the feeling is that they will struggle greatly to create chances against a defence of France’s calibre.

What worries me most about Iraq ahead of this match is their vulnerability when the opposition picks up the pace of play. Against Norway, they conceded too much space and struggled to defend attacks down the flanks and crosses from the wings. Against a side of France’s calibre, those weaknesses could become an even bigger problem.

If they manage to go into half-time level, their chances will improve considerably. However, if France take an early lead, I find it hard to see the Iraqis being able to hold their own for the full ninety minutes.