The match in one line
One of the title favorites, led by Mbappé and Dembélé, against a disciplined, Gulf Cup-winning Iraq that will try to frustrate with its low block.
France vs Iraq prediction
Our France vs Iraq prediction clearly favors Les Bleus: 3-0 and high confidence. France lead on talent, physicality and depth; Iraq will bank on structure and the counter. In the full report we compare the 14 most popular betting markets —who pays most on each— with exact probabilities and the reasoning behind every pick. This is informational analysis, not a guarantee.
How Iraq can compete
Iraq aren’t here to make up the numbers: coached by Spain’s Jesús Casas, they won the 2023 Gulf Cup and are built on structure, intensity and defensive solidity. If they keep the block compact, avoid an early goal and make set pieces count, they can make it an awkward night. The task is huge, but their tactical discipline is real.
Possible lineups
We project France in a 4-3-3 with Tchouaméni anchoring and a front three of Mbappé, Dembélé and Olise, and Iraq in a compact 4-2-3-1 built to absorb pressure. We’ll confirm the XIs on matchday as soon as the federations release them.