Kylian Mbappé and France continue their quest for the 2026 World Cup title Monday evening as the tournament favorites take on Iraq in both teams’ second Group I match.
France is looking to avenge its heartbreaking defeat to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final and enters this tournament with enormous expectations. Les Bleus feature the third-highest payroll and the second-most valuable squad by market value in the field. Despite being locked in a scoreless draw at halftime against a tough Senegal side in their opener, France pulled away for a 3-1 victory thanks largely to Mbappé’s two-goal performance. He opened the scoring in the 66th minute before adding another on a strike from outside the box in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Bradley Barcola also found the back of the net in the win.
Iraq enters Monday already facing an uphill battle. Following a 4-1 loss to Norway last Tuesday, Iraq sits at the bottom of Group I and now must take on the tournament favorite. While a loss would not mathematically eliminate Iraq from advancing to the Round of 32, it would leave the nation with very little margin for error moving forward.
France vs. Iraq Current Odds
Iraq struggled to contain Norway in its opening match and now faces an even tougher challenge against France. Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook lists Les Bleus as massive favorites for Monday’s Group I matchup in Philadelphia.
- France: -1400
- Iraq: +3000
- Draw/Tie: +1200
France vs. Iraq Predictions
Don’t miss your chance to get in on Monday’s World Cup action featuring one of the most talented players in the world and the tournament favorite to lift the trophy. Check out the Stats Hub at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook for soccer betting insights, trends, trackers, and standings throughout the competition.
Here’s a pick from the Stats Hub below:
France vs. Iraq Best Bet: Kylian Mbappé First Goalscorer
Mbappé started his 2026 World Cup campaign in style, scoring twice in France’s opening win over Senegal, including the match’s first goal. One of the world’s elite goalscorers, Mbappé now gets a favorable matchup against an Iraq side that conceded four goals in its loss to Norway.
Iraq allowed 12 shots, five shots on target, and 11 attempts from inside the box against Norway. That’s not an encouraging formula when preparing to face a player of Mbappé’s caliber.
Mbappé will also be looking to strengthen his case for a second consecutive World Cup Golden Boot after leading the 2022 tournament in goals. Argentina’s Lionel Messi is the betting favorite to win the award after becoming the all-time World Cup leading goalscorer on Monday and taking the lead in this year’s Golden Boot race, but Mbappé has the next-shortest odds at +325.
- France vs. Iraq Player Prop Pick for June 22: Kylian Mbappé First Goalscorer (+185)
Popular Props for France vs. Iraq
Mbappé’s anytime goalscorer prop is the most-bet player market by a wide margin, and he also owns the four most-bet props heading into kickoff:
- Kylian Mbappé – Anytime Goalscorer
- Michael Olise – To Score or Assist
- Kylian Mbappé – First Goalscorer
France & Iraq Group I Winner Odds
France is the betting favorite to win Group I, while Iraq owns the longest odds among the four teams:
- France to win Group I: -300
- Iraq to win Group I: +50000
France & Iraq World Cup Winner Odds
France is also the betting favorite to win the 2026 World Cup, while Iraq is among a large group of teams tied for the longest odds to lift the trophy:
- France to win the World Cup: +375
- Iraq to win the World Cup: +250000
France vs. Iraq Match Info
- 📍 Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
- 📅 Date: Monday, June 22
- ⏰ Start Time: 5:00 PM ET
- 📺 Where to Watch: FOX, Telemundo, FOX One
- 🏆 Stage: World Cup Group Stage
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Referenced odds are subject to change.
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