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After making a solid start to their World Cup campaign, France are now setting sights on securing their spot in the last-32 as they prepare to take on Iraq in Philadelphia this Monday night.
Les Bleus, who are among top favourites in our World Cup betting guide's outright winner odds, had a tricky game on their hands against Senegal, but unlike 2002, France came out victorious in their tournament opener.
Iraq, on the other hand, were thrashed by Norway last week, leaving them on the brink of elimination.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
France vs. Iraq key stats
- France have lost their last two games without scoring against Asian opposition.
- Defeat for Iraq would make them the first Asian nation to lose their first five World Cup games.
- Iraq have won two of their last four games against European opposition.
- France have scored two or more goals in 14 of their last 16 outings.
France vs. Iraq preview: Les Bleus set sights on knockout football
France vs Iraq — Tale of the Tape
| France | vs | Iraq |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | FIFA Ranking | 57 |
| Kylian Mbappé – 99 | Most Caps | Jalal Hassan – 102 |
| Kylian Mbappé – 58 | Most Goals | Aymen Hussein – 34 |
| 819 | Total Caps | 843 |
| 103 | Total Goals | 90 |
| 1 | Uncapped Players | 0 |
France have made a strong start to the World Cup, with established stars leading the way and Kylian Mbappe once again proving why he is one of the game's biggest names.
Mbappe added another chapter to his remarkable career by becoming France's highest-scoring men's player and breaking Just Fontaine's long-standing record for the most World Cup goals by a Frenchman.
Despite rumours and criticism surrounding his club future, the 27-year-old remains a key figure for Didier Deschamps as France move to within one victory of securing an early place in the knockout rounds.
France sit second in the group behind Norway after conceding against Senegal, extending their run without a clean sheet to six matches.
Even so, Les Bleus continue to thrive in attack, having scored in 14 straight games and netted at least twice in 13 of those encounters.
Iraq now face the difficult challenge of stopping France after suffering a heavy defeat to Norway, although head coach Graham Arnold was encouraged by much of his team's display.
The former Australia manager praised his players for competing strongly for 70 minutes, with Aymen Hussein's equaliser briefly giving Iraq hope before costly mistakes proved decisive.
The Lions of Mesopotamia still have a slim chance of reaching the last 32, but another defeat combined with a positive result for Norway against Senegal would leave their hopes hanging by a thread.
Iraq are yet to earn a point at the World Cup Finals after also exiting the 1986 tournament without success, and their recent form suggests they still have plenty of work to do.
However, Arnold's side can take confidence from scoring in nine of their last 11 matches, although they face a daunting task against the 2018 World Cup winners in their first-ever meeting.
France vs. Iraq form guide & betting tips
| France | vs | Iraq |
|---|---|---|
WWLWW
|
Form | WWDLL |
| 12 | Goals For | 5 |
| 6 | Goals Against | 8 |
W |
2026 World Cup Form | L |
Whispers predicts: France 5-1 Iraq
Iraq’s opening game against Norway proved they are out of their depth in this tough group, and they could be in for another spanking this Monday night.
France put three goals past a strong Senegal side, and backing them to go further against Iraq is the way to go in the betting.
Les Bleus are priced around the 21/50 mark in the -2 handicap market, which reflects which way the bookies think this match will go.
Interestingly, France have conceded goals in their last six matches, meaning there is enough evidence to warrant a bet in the both teams to score market at around 17/10.
Lastly, the over 3.5 goals market also looks rather tasty, especially with the bookmakers offering odds of 17/20.
> France -2 handicap at 21/50 | Likelihood: Probable
> Both teams to score at 17/10 | Likelihood: Outsider
> Over 3.5 goals at 17/20 | Likelihood: Probable