Iraq (0-1-0) and France (1-0-0) will face off today in a World Cup Group I match at 5:00 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa.
France is favored at a -1400 price on the moneyline, with the over/under set at 3.5 (-110o / -110u) goals.
Let's get into my Iraq vs. France predictions for today's World Cup match.
France vs Iraq Prediction
Picks: France Over 2.5 Goals / Kylian Mbappe 2+ Goals (+270)
My France vs Iraq best bet is a parlay with France producing three or more goals and Kylian Mbappe scoring at least two of them.
France vs Iraq Odds
| Iraq Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 +105 | 3.5 -110o / -110u | +3000 |
| France Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -135 | 3.5 -110o / -110u | -1400 |
France vs Iraq World Cup Preview
The betting markets reflect the massive gap in quality between these two nations. The odds give France an implied probability of victory around 93%, making this one of the most one-sided matchups of the group stage. While Iraq managed to keep pace with Norway in total shots in their opener, their offensive output was low-quality, with just one shot on target and 0.80 xG. They are unlikely to trouble a French defense that is far superior.
A significant factor in France's favor is their incredible squad depth. In a tournament setting with games coming quickly, the ability to bring world-class players off the bench is a huge advantage. As we saw against Senegal with substitute Bradley Barcola scoring, fresh legs can make a decisive impact late in games. Even if Iraq manages to hold firm in the early stages, France has the talent in reserve to break the game open as the match wears on.
This will be the first-ever meeting between France and Iraq. Historically, France has dominated teams from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) at this tournament, posting an undefeated record of four wins and one draw. Conversely, Iraq has lost both of its previous matches against European competition on this stage. All signs point toward French domination from start to finish.
Check out the best soccer odds before making your Iraq vs France picks.
France vs Iraq Picks, Parlay
Leg 1: France Over 2.5 Goals (-210)
Leg 2: Kylian Mbappe 2+ Goals (+235)
Parlay Odds: +270 (DraftKings)
France’s three-goal explosion in the second half against Senegal highlighted their world-class offensive talent. After a quiet first 45 minutes, they generated 1.75 expected goals (xG) and created four big chances, proving they can flip a switch and overwhelm opponents.
That offensive firepower presents a nightmare matchup for an Iraq team that struggled immensely on defense in its first game.
Iraq conceded four goals to Norway, and the underlying numbers were just as concerning. They allowed 2.52 expected goals against (xGA) from 12 shots and gave up five big chances. Their goalkeeper, Jalal Hassan, had a particularly rough outing, conceding four times from five shots on target.
An attack featuring Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembélé, and a host of other stars should find plenty of opportunities against this vulnerable defensive unit. France has scored three or more goals in five of their last seven matches, and a similar output seems likely here.
If France is set for a high-scoring day, Kylian Mbappe is the player most likely to benefit. He began the tournament in top form, scoring twice against Senegal to secure the victory. Those goals brought his average to an incredible 1.03 goals per 90 minutes across 15 appearances in this competition.
Against an inferior opponent like Iraq, Mbappe has the perfect opportunity to add to his tally. The odds imply a high probability that France will score at least three goals, and as the team's primary attacker and penalty taker, Mbappe is positioned to be on the end of many of those chances.
Iraq vs France Projected Lineups
Iraq Projected Lineup (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper: Basil
Defenders: Ali, Tahseen, Hashem, Doski
Midfielders: Bayesh, Al-Ammari, Iqbal, Ali Jasim
Forward: Hussein, Al-Hamadi
France Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Maignan
Defenders: Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne
Midfielders: Rabiot, Kone; Olise, Dembele, Barcola
Forwards: Mbappe
France vs Iraq Betting Trends
France vs Iraq Weather
Inclement weather could impact today's France-Iraq match. According to NBC Philadelphia, severe storms could come into play around the 5 p.m. ET start time.
