Pre-matchMonday, June 22

Les Bleus Eye Top Spot as Iraq Seek Pride Against Heavy Favourites

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France face Iraq in a Group I finale where Didier Deschamps' men can secure first place with victory, while the Lions of Mesopotamia hunt a first World Cup goal after their opening collapse.

The betting markets make France overwhelming favourites at around 1/10, and the pool agrees emphatically: 71 of 74 backed Les Bleus, with 33 predicting a 3-0 scoreline—only one brave soul took Iraq.

What's at Stake

The maths are straightforward but the implications are everything. France sit second in Group I on three points and plus-two goal difference, level on points with Norway but trailing on goals after the Scandinavians' 3-0 demolition of Iraq. A French win guarantees top spot if Norway fail to better their result against Senegal; even a draw keeps Les Bleus in the knockout places. Iraq, rooted to the table's bottom after conceding three without reply in their opener, are mathematically alive but need a minor miracle—victory here plus a Senegal loss, coupled with a goals swing. Realistically, this is about restoring honour after a chastening introduction to the world stage.

Team News and the Key Matchup

Deschamps is expected to rotate his starting XI, but the spine remains formidable. Kylian Mbappé—rested or not—casts a shadow over any Iraqi backline, while Aurélien Tchouaméni anchors a midfield that has controlled tempo across the tournament. Iraq manager Jesús Casas faces selection headaches after that opening defeat: his defence, breached three times by Norway's pace and precision, must somehow contain a French attack that put two past Senegal. The key duel sits between France's forward movement and Iraq's defensive discipline—can the Lions of Mesopotamia stay compact and deny space, or will Les Bleus' individual quality unlock them at will? Expect Iraq to sit deep, pack the penalty area, and hope to catch France on the counter, but the gulf in class is vast.

What the Market Says

Bookmakers leave no room for doubt. Betting lines consistently price France around 1/10 to win outright, with Iraq drifting beyond 20/1 and the draw hovering near 8/1. Those odds reflect not just the talent gap but the stakes: France have everything to play for in the race for first place, while Iraq are playing for pride and a goal to celebrate. The market sees a comfortable French victory, likely by multiple goals—hardly surprising given Les Bleus' pedigree and Iraq's defensive fragility. Whether Deschamps opts for rotation or goes full-strength, the outcome feels preordained.

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