Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterYou've got to feel for Iraq in Group I.Graham Arnold's side are playing in their first World Cup for 40 years, but had to play second fiddle to Norway and Erling Haaland in their opening, with the Manchester City striker helping himself to a brace in a 4-1 victory for the Scandinavians.And after dealing with one world-class forward, they are now up against Kylian Mbappe, fresh from his two-goal opening performance in France's 3-1 win over Senegal.Play our FREE match predictor and win �1kFrance vs Iraq odds from BOYLE SPORTSFrance WIN - 1/14Draw - 10/1Iraq WIN - 25/1France vs Iraq predictionThe match is set to kick off at 4pm local time (10am UK time) at the Philadelphia Stadium in Pennsylvania, United States.France begin the second Group I matchday sitting second in the group, behind Norway on goal difference, after the two European nations won their opening fixtures. Iraq and Senegal are both looking for their first points. You may like How to watch Iraq vs Norway for FREE Who are the BBC commentators, pundits and presenters for France vs Iraq? Norway vs Iraq prediction, as ultimate 2026 World Cup dark horses look to dominate Group I France, therefore, know that they are well placed to make the knockouts, but will want to make sure they head into their final group stage match against Norway on maximum points to ensure they are in the box seat to top the group.That said, given the depth in Didier Deschamps' squad, it would be no surprise if he were to shuffle his pack somewhat and give the likes of Lucas Digne, Bradley Barcola and Manu Kone a start.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.The French media have also suggested that Michael Olise will be moved into a number ten role, allowing Ousmane Dembele to his optimal right-hand side role, which could all be music to Mbappe's ears.The Real Madrid man starts Group I's Matchday 2 sitting two goals behind Lionel Messi and Miroslav Klose in the all-time World Cup goalscoring chart and will fancy his chances of closing the gap on the German at least, with Argentina playing before France on Monday.France have scored in each of their last 14 international matches and it's hard to see that streak ending in Philadelphia today. What to read next Iraq World Cup 2026 squad: Graham Arnold's 26-man selection ahead of group stage test against Norway How to watch France vs Northern Ireland for FREE: Live stream details How to watch France vs Senegal for FREE Iraq's defensive frailties were evident in their opening defeat to Norway and from a talent point of view, it's near-impossible to make a case for Graham Arnold's side to spring an upset.However, in a tournament that's thrown up some surprise results so far, the pressure will all be on the French, with another intangible being the forecasted storms that are predicted to batter Philadelphia tonight, which could add a pinch of unpredictability to proceedings.But logic and conventional wisdom point to a comfortable win for the 2022 runners-up.Score prediction: France 4-1 IraqHow to watch France vs IraqYou can watch France vs Iraq in Group I of World Cup 2026 for free.The match will be broadcast live on BBC One in the UK, FOX in the United States and SBS in Australia.What's your France vs Iraq prediction? Let us know below...TOPICSFranceWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Joe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.
