FIFA 2026 World Cup - France vs. Iraq (Group I) Tips

Match Details

Date: 23/6/26 7:00AM

Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Current Betting Odds

France: $1.08

Draw: $11.00

Iraq: $29.00

France vs Iraq Preview

Graham Arnold’s men were slightly misrepresented by the scoreline after losing 4-1 to Norway. They levelled the score at 1-1 and genuinely looked in the contest, until a crucial error in front of goal, allowed Haaland his second for the game.

If Norway felt like a test, wait until they meet France, who started their World Cup run with a 3-1 win over Senegal. Scoreless for the first 65 minutes before France could break the deadlock, through Mbappe. A flurry of goals came after with both adding one more, before Mbappe put it beyond doubt, at the 96^th minute.

A strike worth looking up the replay for if you have not seen it. No wonder the 2022 Golden Boot winner was the favourite to go back-to-back.

Best Bet

Iraq +3 goals

Handicap

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$1.91

It’s a dangerous game going against the French at a World Cup, but a three-goal headstart is worth considering.

Iraq are notoriously very heavy defensively and will often play out low scoring matches. I have no doubt the game will be played predominantly in the Iraq half, and the French should have an abundance of shots.

However, Norway managed four goals, and one was a genuine gift, the kind you would hate to see even at under 10’s on the local oval, type bad. The 1-1 Iraq draw with Spain at the start of this month is enough for me to cast doubt on a 3+ scoreline for France.

Same Game Multi Bet

Both teams to score NO/ Under 2.5 Goals

SGM

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$3.30

In sticking with the same narrative, I’m seeing a grind for France. Plenty of opportunity and attack around the Iraq box but visible frustration for the French, when they can’t get through to a goal.

Senegal are an elite squad and managed to get one goal against the run of play in their opener, the French although happy to beat a top 20 nation, would have preferred a clean sheet. I can see them tightening up the defence here and Iraq won’t have quite as much power to score from distance.

France are $1.08 to win, so take that into account when you’re considering this same game multi.

Value Bet

Michael Olise

Anytime goalscorer

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$2.10

I am expecting the type of game where the midfielders and even defence can drift right up the field, applying more pressure on Iraq.

Olise is the type of attacking mid that loves creating chances and also slashing in for goals of his own. The 24-year-old has scored fifteen goals in twenty-three Bundesliga matches for Bayern Munich. Add to that, five goals in the Champions League and two in this World Cup’s qualifiers.

He has the ability to hit shots from deep and Iraq might crowd their own box so tightly that the French can only manage to strike from afar.

Sports Journalist

David Gibson

David is Betseeker's expert NBA and NBL tipster. With more than a decade of experience working in the Australian wagering industry, David has a particular knack for picking winning NBA SGMs.