Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.
France head to Philadelphia looking to cement their position as favorites in World Cup odds.
Didier Deschamps’ players ran out impressive 3-1 winners over Senegal in their opening Group J game. I expect an even more emphatic margin of victory for Les Bleus this time.
Read on for my France vs. Iraq predictions and World Cup picks for Monday, June 22 at Lincoln Financial Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET.
Who will win France vs Iraq: France -2.5 (-120)
France have already shown they can win convincingly at this World Cup and will look to do so again in this match.
They started slowly before bursting into life in their opening game against Senegal, eventually winning 3-1. The fact that their attack played below its potential showed there’s much more to come.
There are three strong reasons to believe France can overcome this 2.5-goal spread. The first is that Kylian Mbappe is chasing the Golden Boot. He scored twice against Senegal and will be determined to add more to his tally.
The second is that France have unrivalled depth in attack. They can add top-class technicians such as Rayan Cherki from the sidelines, ensuring their performance level stays high when their opponents fade in the closing stages.
The third is that Iraq look like a team that may tire. They conceded twice in the final 25 minutes of their 4-1 opening-game defeat vs. Norway. If they wilt similarly in this match, they’ll be vulnerable against late French attacks. Back France -2.5 at anything up to -135.
TOp pick
France vs Iraq Over/Under pick: Over 3.5 (-102)
France can beat this line on their own, but both teams are capable of contributing to a high goal count. Their opening game against Senegal contained four goals, Iraq’s (vs. Norway) five. France scored three times, Iraq once.
Les Bleus managed eight attempts on target in their first match and will expect to do better on Monday. They have the potential to equal or better the tally of three goals they scored against Senegal.
Thanks to their top-tier attackers, France are one of the tournament’s most fancied sides, but defensively, they’re far from watertight.
Their full-backs floundered against Senegal in New Jersey, a significant factor in Senegal scoring and hitting the post. France also conceded in their two pre-tournament friendlies, against Ivory Coast (1-2) and Northern Ireland (3-1).
Iraq lacked accuracy in their opening game vs. Norway, but still managed to score (1-4). Knowing that a second consecutive defeat may end their interest in the tournament, Iraq will be drawn into taking risks, and that is likely to lead to more chances. I’d play this to -105.
France vs Iraq projected lineup
France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe.
Iraq (4-4-2): Jalal Hassan; Ali, Hashim, Tahseen, Doski; Bayesh, Alammari, Ismail, Jasim; Alhamadi, Hussein.
France vs Iraq injuries
France: No key injuries to report.
Iraq: Alhamadi (Doubtful).
France vs Iraq weather
Temperatures of 80F to 84F are expected, with the potential for thunderstorms before and during the match.
France vs Iraq odds
 France |
 Iraq |
|
|---|---|---|
| -1200 | Moneyline | +2500 |
| +1000 | Draw | +1000 |
| Over 3.5 (-102) | Total | Under 3.5 (-105) |
Odds courtesy of Kalshi.
How to watch France vs Iraq
Check out FIFA’s official 2026 World Cup website for more information.
| Location | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA |
| Date | Monday, June 22, 2026 |
| Time | 5 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.
