France v Iraq: World Cup predictions, best bets and odds

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France have an early opportunity to clinch qualification for the next round. Les Bleus have three points following their victory over Senegal (3-1). Another win, this time against Iraq, would allow them to focus on the rest of the tournament.

Despite being earmarked as clear favourites to secure all three points, the French will undoubtedly have their work cut out. Iraq, who qualified for the World Cup after a play-off win over Bolivia (2-1), know that this game is crucial for their campaign and will therefore throw everything at it. Although they are seen as the “underdogs” of Group I, the Iraqis should not be underestimated, having recently held Spain to a draw (1-1).

Please find our betting tips for this match below. These bets have been chosen after a thorough analysis of both teams’ statistics (which you can find on the Flashscore app).

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France v Iraq predictions

France to win: 1/12 (bet365)

Michael Olise to score or assist: 3/10 (bet365)

Iraq – 0 Goals: 4/9 (bet365)

Odds correct at the time of publication, but subject to change.

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Is qualification on the cards?

After beating Senegal (3-1), France have put themselves in a strong position. A win against Iraq on Monday and qualification will be secured. However, Didier Deschamps must ensure his team don't become complacent. Several surprises have already occurred at the start of this tournament, such as Spain's stalemate against Cape Verde and the 1-1 draw between Portugal and DR Congo.

Nevertheless, France head into this one in confident spirits. Deschamps’ side are on a run of two consecutive wins, scoring six goals and conceding just two in the process. They have lost just one of their last twelve matches, a 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast in their first World Cup warm-up game.

Meanwhile, Iraq suffered a heavy defeat to Norway (4-1) in their World Cup opener. Before that, they overcame Andorra (1-0) and managed to hold a weakened Spanish outfit to a 1-1 draw. However, they lost 2-0 to Venezuela just ahead of this summer's tournament. For this match, we’re backing France, who, on paper at least, are far superior to their opponents.

Prediction: France to win: 1/12 (bet365)

Explanation: This bet will land if France win the match. 

Olise to make a decisive contribution

While Kylian Mbappé, who scored twice, took the spotlight against Senegal, we shouldn’t overlook the performance of Michael Olise. Moved into the number 10 role at half-time, he went on to provide two assists. 

It was an excellent display, similar to the ones we've become accustomed to seeing over the past 12 months. The Frenchman netted 22 goals for Bayern last season, while also claiming 26 assists. He scored two goals during qualifying, before registering a superb hat-trick (and an assist!) against Northern Ireland.

As Iraq are vulnerable from a defensive perspective than Senegal, Olise is likely to make a telling impact in the final third. 

Prediction: Michael Olise to score or assist: 3/10 (bet365)

Explanation: This bet will land if Michael Olise registers a goal or an assist. 

Iraq lack a cutting edge

Although they've conceded at least one goal in each of their last six matches, France are capable of producing strong defensive displays. Indeed, a watertight backline is the hallmark of any Didier Deschamps team. 

A clean sheet against Iraq would provide two major benefits. Firstly, preventing the opposition from scoring always provides a confidence boost. Secondly, it may help to ensure they progress to the knockout stages as group winners. If Norway beat Senegal and France achieve a decent margin of victory over Iraq, a draw against the Vikings would be enough to top the group. 

Unfortunately, Iraq do not boast an abundance of attacking quality. As well as failing to score against Venezuela earlier this month, the Lions of Mesopotamia drew a blank in their recent Arab Cup meetings with Jordan and Algeria.   

Prediction: Iraq – 0 Goals: 4/9 (bet365)

Explanation: This bet will land if Iraq fail to score. 

France v Iraq: Match result odds 

France: 1/12 (bet365)

Draw: 10/1 (bet365)

Iraq: 25/1 (bet365)

Odds correct at the time of publication, but subject to change.