France vs. Iraq: Tempting Michael Olise bets to back in World Cup Group I clash against Asian nation

France underlined their status as one of the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 3-1 victory over Senegal on matchday one.

Following a relatively subdued opening period, Les Bleus found another gear after the interval, with Kylian Mbappe netting twice to secure all three points, with the result leaving Didier Deschamps's side second in Group I, behind Norway, who sit top on goal difference after their 4-1 win over Iraq.

France will therefore have one eye on another convincing result when they face the Lions of Mesopotamia on Monday evening, knowing a sizeable victory could strengthen their position heading into the final round of fixtures.

There is little debate over the likely outcome, with Les Bleus entering as clear favourites against an opponent placed 54 places below them in the FIFA World Rankings, and bookmakers have priced the 2018 World Cup winners at just 1/12 to claim another win, leaving little value in the outright market.

The player specials, however, offer a far more appealing angle. While Mbappe naturally attracts most of the attention, Michael Olise has quietly become one of France's most influential attacking weapons.

With that in mind, Football Whispers takes a closer look at some tempting markets involving the Bayern Munich star.

Best bet: Michael Olise to register an assist against Iraq

Olise amassed an outstanding 29 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions for Bayern Munich during the 2025-26 campaign, leading the Bundesliga assist charts with 19 in the league alone.

The 24-year-old arrived at the World Cup carrying that creative momentum, and his versatility only increases his influence, whether operating from either flank or drifting into central areas.

That flexibility proved crucial against Senegal, in an encounter where France struggled to impose themselves before the break, but the contest shifted when Deschamps moved Olise into a more central role. The Bayern attacker responded by setting up Mbappe's opening goal and creating two big chances as Les Bleus took control.

A similar opportunity could present itself here, against an Iraqi side that conceded four times against Norway in their opening fixture and have struggled defensively in recent outings.

With Mbappe leading the line and several dangerous runners around him, Olise looks well placed to add to his assist tally. At 5/4 (2.25) with Ladbrokes, the price stands out as excellent value.

Other Michael Olise bets worth considering

Olise is far more than just a creator, with the Bayern attacker also contributing 22 goals in all competitions during the 2025-26 season, highlighting the threat he carries whenever he gets into advanced positions.

His scoring touch has also translated to the international stage, having struck twice during France's World Cup qualifying campaign before helping himself to a hat-trick against Northern Ireland in their pre-World Cup friendly, taking his tally to seven goals in 18 appearances for Les Bleus.

Although he did not get on the scoresheet against Senegal, Olise remained heavily involved, earning Man of the Match honours after creating multiple chances and consistently finding dangerous pockets of space. 

Olise registered two shots on target versus Senegal, and against an Iraq defence that lacks the same level of organisation and experience, he should enjoy even more opportunities to influence proceedings.

As a result, backing Olise to record two or more shots on target at 19/20 (1.95) looks attractive, while the anytime goalscorer market at 23/20 (2.15) also offers plenty of appeal.