Preview: France vs Iraq prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

Les Blues eye a knockout berth with a win over Lions of Mesopotamia.

Anchored in South Philadelphia, Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field), USA, gears up to host a highly anticipated Group I fixture of Match Week 2 in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where two-time world champions France take on Iraq in what is set to be a thrilling battle.

Group I began most entertainingly, with France defeating Senegal 3-1 and Norway thrashing 4-1, producing a total of nine goals in just two games. Les Blues are just a win away from securing a knockout berth, whereas it is now or never for the Lions of Mesopotamia to keep their top two hopes alive.

It took Les Blues over an hour to score their first goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The former African champions, Senegal, however, did expose France’s defensive vulnerabilities and France repeatedly failed to keep a clean sheet yet again.

They are led by the legendary Didier Deschamps, who is one of only three men in football history, alongside Franz Beckenbauer and Mário Zagallo, to win the FIFA World Cup as both a player and a coach. The sheer individual brilliance of Captain Mbappe propelled France to a win in the last game.

The Lions of Mesopotamia are playing in their second World Cup. The last time they played the World Cup was back in 1986, when they suffered three defeats in a row and finished at the bottom of their Group. They did grab a lot of eyeballs after they equalised 1-1 against a strong Norwegian side.

But a series of mistakes saw them conceding two late goals. They are led by Australian gaffer Graham Arnold, who has previously led top Asian clubs like Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC. Iraq are yet to clinch a point in FIFA World Cup history, and they need a miracle to pull out one in the Group of Death.

World Cups have a habit of producing unforgettable moments, and this encounter has all the ingredients to be another memorable chapter. With talented players spread across the pitch and little room for error, fans can expect an entertaining battle between two teams eager to make their mark in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kick-off:

• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
• Stadium: Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field)
• Date: Monday, June 22
• Kick-off time: 10 p.m. BST [2:30 a.m. IST, Tuesday, June 23 / 5 p.m. local EDT]
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

France (in all competitions): W-W-L-W-W

Iraq (in all competitions): L-L-D-W-W

Players to Watch

Ousmane Dembele (France)

If France triumphs in North America, Dembele will become the first player in football history to win both the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Champions League twice. The current Balon d’Or holder, Dembele is coming after winning back-to-back UEFA Champions League title with PSG,

A shocking stat about Dembele is that despite playing across three editions for France, Dembele is yet to score a goal in FIFA World Cup and he will be keen to find his name in the scoresheet in a crucial game against Iraq.

Ibrahim Bayesh (Iraq)

Bayesh was a crucial part of the Iraq squad at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, starting every match. He has extensive experience playing in top Asian leagues. Before making a move to Saudi Pro League with Al Riyadh, he won the AFC Cup with Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (Air Force Club).

Bayesh will be tasked with the responsibility of creating chances upfront. He will, however, have a tough time containing Barcola in the wings, who is coming after scoring a goal against Senegal in the last game.

Match Facts

• These two sides will lock horns with each other for the first time ever.
• France played in the World Cup Finals in the last two editions.
• Iraq qualified for the FIFA World Cup after a long wait of nearly four decades.

France vs Iraq: Betting Tips and Odds

• France to win the game – 1/10 with Betfred
• Kylian Mbappe to score – 4/9 with Betfred
• France 4-1 Iraq – 14/1 with Betfred

Injury and Team News

There are not much injury concerns for France. However, Deschamps may bring Barcola, Lucas Digne and Kone in the next game.

Ali Jasim picked a knock in the last game but is expected to be fit for the next game. Al Shorta goalkeeper Basil may be brought in up for Jalal after an unconvincing display against Norway.

Head-to-Head

These two sides have never met each other, and this will be their first ever encounter.

Predicted Lineups

France predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Mike Maignan (GK); Lucas Digne, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Jules Koundé; Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot; Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé; Kylian Mbappé.

Iraq predicted lineup (4-4-2)

Ahmed Basil (GK); Merchas Doski, Akam Hashem, Zaid Tahseen, Hussein Ali; Ali Jasim, Zidane Iqbal, Amir Al-Ammari, Ibrahim Bayesh; Ali Al-Hamadi, Aymen Hussein.

Match Prediction

Given France’s recent form, we expect them to thrash Iraq and score a lot of goals. Mbappe is in terrific form and alongside Mbappe, the sheer presence of Dembele, Barcola, Olise makes this French attacking setup deadly.

Prediction: France 4-1 Iraq

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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