World Cup
2026-06-22 - France vs Iraq
A Sports Betting Pick by ArmchairPunter
Football : World: FIFA World Cup - Group I
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field
Monday 22nd June 2026, 1600hrs (local)
France
France began their World Cup finals campaign in impressive fashion as Les Bleus eventually made light work of Senegal in their opening game in Group I after producing a somewhat lacklustre and lethargic shift in the first half.
Whatever France manager Didier Deschamps said in the French dressing room at halftime certainly had an impact on his players as a very different France side took to the filed in the second half and despite being denied a stonewall penalty by the Australian referee, France were all over Senegal.
Two goals from Kyliam Mbappe and one from Bradley Barcola proved to be enough for the French to collect an important three-point haul and further success looks likely against Iraq on Monday afternoon (local time).
France have now won 10 of their last 12 internationals.
Fast Fact : One of only a few countries to win both as host (1998) and abroad (2018).
Iraq
Iraq found themselves, very briefly, on level terms with Norway in their opening game in Group I as Aymen Hussein equalised for the Lions of Mesopotamia and it looked like Graham Arnold’s side would head into the halftime break at 1-1 with the Norwegians - but then, Erling Haaland happened.
Haaland added a second goal just before halftime, and the Iraqi’s were subsequently overrun in the second half by a Norway side whose tails were well and truly up by then, resulting in a 4-1 demolition.
Further damage to Iraq’s defensive unit therefore looks highly likely against France on matchday two as Graham Arnold’s side have managed to capture just two wins from their last seven internationals overall.
Fast Fact : Iraq's only World Cup appearance before 2026 was in 1986 in Mexico.
The Betting Verdict
France and Iraq have never met before in any competition but the French know they can guarantee a place in the knockout rounds with a win here before meeting Norway on matchday three.
The Pick :
France 4-0 Iraq
