France will be looking to make it two wins from two at the 2026 World Cup when they face Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field on Monday night.
Didier Deschamps' side got up and running at the first attempt with a 3-1 victory over Senegal earlier this week.
That result extended Les Bleus' impressive run of form after they came through their World Cup qualifying campaign unbeaten and then won three of their four warm-up matches ahead of the tournament.
Among the outright favourites to lift the World Cup, France will be widely expected to secure another victory when they take on Iraq on Monday night.
The Lions of Mesopotamia were thumped 4-1 by Norway in their opening group game, a match that also delivered two of my recommended bets.
Progressing from this section always looked a daunting task for Graham Arnold’s side, and after their opening defeat, an early exit already appears to be on the cards.
How the bookies view it: France heavily fancied
This looks a real international mismatch on paper, and the pre-match odds reflect that, with France installed as heavy 1/12 favourites with bet365.
Iraq are priced at a whopping 25/1 to spring a shock, while the draw is also considered an unlikely outcome at 10/1.
More odds are available on our best mobile apps for World Cup betting.
Head to head: History book blank
France and Iraq will face each other for the first time ever on Monday night.
Iraq suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Norway on matchday one, but they can draw some confidence from their preparations ahead of this clash, having held Spain to a 1-1 draw in their penultimate World Cup warm-up fixture.
Players to watch: Mbappe to make his mark?
After bagging a brace in his opening appearance at this year's World Cup, Kylian Mbappe looks well placed to add to his tally against Iraq on Monday night. The France forward is priced at 1/2 with bet365 to score anytime, but combining an Mbappe goal with a Les Bleus win by a two-goal margin boosts the odds to a value 7/10.
Aymen Hussein caught the eye during World Cup qualification and got himself on the scoresheet against Norway in Iraq's opening fixture. The 30-year-old striker is available at 6/1 with bet365 to find the net again on Monday night.
Predicted line-ups
France have a full squad available for selection on Monday night. Didier Deschamps could look to make a few changes, with Bradley Barcola pressing for a start after scoring from the bench against Senegal.
Iraq have a couple of injury doubts in Ali Jasim and Jalal Hassan, although both are expected to be fit enough to be involved.
France: Maignan; Kounde; Saliba; Upamecano; Digne; Rabiot; Kone; Dembele; Olise; Barcola; Mbappe
Iraq: Al-Owais; Basil; Ali, Tahseen, Hashem, Doski; Bayesh, Al-Ammari, Iqbal, Ali Jasim; Hussein, Al-Hamadi
Anything else catch the eye?
Michael Olise set up two of France’s three goals against Senegal, making him an appealing option to register another assist here at 11/10 with bet365.
Merchas Doski could be the player tasked with man-marking the France playmaker.
Given how often Olise is fouled, the Iraq defender could be worth a look for a booking at 5/2 with bet365.
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