France cruised through their qualification group, conceding just one draw—in Reykjavik against Iceland—over six matches. In friendlies, they picked up wins but stumbled against Ivory Coast, losing 1-2. However, they bounced back with a victory over Northern Ireland. At the World Cup itself, they opened with a convincing 3-1 win over Senegal, with Mbappé scoring twice.
Iraq fought hard for a long-awaited return to the tournament. In the main qualifying group, they finished third, narrowly trailing Jordan, and then took second place in a three-way battle with Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. However, they were eliminated in play-off games against UAE and, in the intercontinental play-off in March, against Bolivia. Their friendly results were mixed—a narrow 1-0 win over Andorra, but then a 1-1 draw with a strong Spain. They subsequently lost to Venezuela. In the opening round against Norway, they managed to respond to their opponent’s first goal, but Norway then added three more.
The European giants average 2.6 goals scored per match and concede only one. The team from the Persian Gulf scores around 1.1 goals per game and concedes slightly more, at 1.3.
Previous Matches: France vs Iraq
This will be the first ever head-to-head meeting between these two teams, who are worlds apart in terms of class.
Mbappé and company are clearly superior. The prediction is that they will win with a “-2.5 goals” handicap (odds – 1.75).
France vs Iraq: Key Statistics and Trends
France have won ten of their last twelve matches
80% of France’s matches end with both teams scoring, with an average of 3.6 goals per game
Iraq have lost their last two matches
50% of Iraq’s matches end with both teams scoring, with an average of 2.4 goals per game
France vs Iraq: Probable Starting Line-ups
France’s possible 1-4-2-3-1 line-up: Maignan – Hernandez, Saliba, Upamecano, Kounde – Rabiot, Tchouaméni – Doué, Dembélé, Olise – Mbappé
Iraq’s possible 1-4-4-2 line-up: Hassan – Doski, Hashim, Tahsin, Ali – Jassim, Al-Ammari, Ismael, Baesh – Al-Hamadi, Hussein. Yahya is definitely out, Meme is questionable.
