France vs Iraq Prediction & Betting Tips | 22 June 2026

Match Preview

France aim to leapfrog Norway at the summit of Group I as they take on Iraq in a fixture that appears to favour Didier Deschamps' men. This looks like a straightforward task for the home side at Lincoln Financial Field, and we're backing a comfortable 3-0 victory. Les Bleus kicked off their World Cup journey with a commanding 3-1 triumph over Senegal, showcasing a superb second-half performance after a stern challenge before half-time. Kylian Mbappe shone with two goals, and Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise also caught the eye with his flair and intelligent movement. Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki are anticipated to be recalled to the starting lineup as France seek to continue their flawless start. The statistics make for grim reading for Iraq; France have averaged 2.6 goals per game and an impressive expected goals tally of 2.19 in their previous ten fixtures. Iraq, on the other hand, slumped to a significant 4-1 loss against Norway in their opening game. While the Lions of Mesopotamia displayed flashes of attacking promise, they found it difficult to contain Norway's attacking threat, and defensive errors proved to be their undoing. Ali Jasim is a doubt after sustaining an injury in that game, and defender Zaid Tahseen needs to tread carefully, as another booking would lead to a ban. Iraq have managed only 1.1 goals per game in their last ten matches and could struggle to create opportunities against a team widely considered one of the tournament frontrunners. Given France's superior quality and their impressive showing against Senegal, our prediction is a comfortable Away Win, coupled with France -1.5 and Rayan Cherki to Score or Assist. This World Cup 2026 encounter is scheduled for Monday 22 June 2026, with kick-off at 22:00.

France Team Form and Stats

France's recent performances across their last 10 outings in all competitions show a strong record. Their results are as follows: W W D W W W W L W W. This averages out to 2.50 points per game overall.

At home, their form reads: W W W L W W, also yielding 2.50 points per game. On the road, they've secured: D W W W, with an average of 2.50 points per game.

Looking at the statistics, France boasts an 80% win rate overall, which rises to 83% when playing at home and 75% away from home. They average 3.60 goals per game in total, scoring 2.60 on average. At home, they score 2.67 per game, whilst away it's 2.50. Defensively, they concede 1.00 goal per game overall, with only 0.83 conceded at home and 1.25 away. Both Teams To Score has occurred in 80% of their matches overall, 67% at home, and a perfect 100% away. They've kept a clean sheet in 20% of their games overall, 33% at home, and 0% away. France have failed to score in 0% of their matches, regardless of venue. Their Expected Goals (xG) figure stands at 2.19 overall, 2.49 at home, and 1.75 away. Conversely, their Expected Goals Against (xGA) is 0.73 overall, 0.52 at home, and 1.03 away.

Iraq Team Form and Stats

Iraq's recent form across their last 10 fixtures in all tournaments shows a mixed bag. They've secured victory in 50% of those matches, picking up an average of 1.60 points per game overall. At home, their record is stronger, with 60% wins and an average of 1.80 points per game, though they've only managed 40% wins on the road, averaging 1.40 points per away fixture.

Looking at the statistics, Iraq are scoring an average of 2.40 goals per game overall, with a significantly higher rate of 3.20 at home and 1.60 away. They're netting 1.10 goals on average per match generally, 1.40 at home and 0.80 away. Defensively, they're conceding 1.30 goals per game overall, 1.80 at home and 0.80 away. Both teams to score has occurred in 50% of their overall games, rising to 80% when they play at home, but only in 20% of away matches. Clean sheets have been kept in 20% of their overall games, a stat that drops to 0% at home but jumps to 40% away. They've failed to find the net in 30% of their matches overall, 20% at home and 40% away. Their expected goals figure stands at 0.94 overall, 1.02 at home and 0.84 away. Conversely, their expected goals against is 1.36 overall, 1.47 at home and 1.23 away.

France vs Iraq Head to Head Statistics (H2H)

There's no past fixture history between these two sides to consult.