One of the World Cup’s most competitive groups is back in action on Monday, June 22, beginning with France vs. Iraq colliding in Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field at 5 p.m. ET on FOX.
Following a 3-1 win over Senegal on Matchday 1, France sits second in Group I, trailing Norway’s +3 goal differential. Meanwhile, Iraq is chasing their first point following a 4-1 loss against Erling Haaland & Co.
Iraq will face even more star power today, including France’s Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembélé. This stark difference in talent is driving France’s 1.06x payout to win vs. Iraq today, per PrizePicks Team Picks.
How will Iraq hold up against France’s superstars? Let’s highlight some France vs. Iraq picks for World Cup 2026 player projections on PrizePicks.
Make your France vs. Iraq picks and predictions on PrizePicks for World Cup 2026 Matchday 2!
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Top France vs. Iraq Picks for World Cup – Monday, June 22
As mentioned, Monday should feature a motivated France squad, as their goal differential is trailing high-powered Norway. The Vikings have a tough matchup vs. Senegal tonight, carrying a 2.08x payout to win on PrizePicks Team Picks.
However, France likely does not want to leave first place up to fate, as Monday brings a golden opportunity to run up their goal differential against a susceptible Iraqi back line.
In fact, the Lions of Mesopotamia allowed 4 goals, 5 shots on target, and 5 big chances on Matchday 1 vs. Norway, via FotMob. According to Opta Analyst, Iraq’s 33.33% conversion rate allowed is currently the third-worst mark at World Cup 2026, while their 0.21 expected goals (xG) per shot allowed is the tournament’s highest mark.
The stats only get worse, as Norway took 91.67% of their shots in the box vs. Iraq — the second-worst mark for defenses at the World Cup. Norway has a fierce attack, but France’s front line is even better with the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué, and Ousmane Dembélé.
Monday could feature a French feast, hence the -2.5 spread in favor of Les Bleus on PrizePicks Team Picks. But how does that translate to France vs. Iraq picks for player projections on PrizePicks? Let’s break down two player picks for France vs. Iraq.
France ST Kylian Mbappé vs. Iraq: 2.5 Shots on Target
- Mbappé’s shot volume on Matchday 1 wasn’t that high, totaling 4 shots in the 3-1. But he made those chances count with 4 shots on target and 2 goals.
- Iraq’s high conversion rate and xG per shot allowed suggest Mbappé should get good looks in front of the goal, especially when Iraq allowed Norway to take over 90.0% of their shots in the box.
- Mbappé took 3 of his 4 shots inside the box vs. Senegal, playing a large part in his 4 shots on target.
- After tallying an absurd 17 touches in the box vs. Northern Ireland in a friendly fixture on June 8, Mbappé produced a healthy 7 touches in the box in his 2026 World Cup debut.
- Norway ST Erling Haaland enjoyed plenty of success against Iraq with 5 shots, 4 shots on target, 7 touches in the box, and 2 goals. Mbappé brings an entirely different approach than Haaland, but Iraq’s struggles against one of the best strikers in the world on Matchday 1 could carry into Monday.
Combine France + Kylian Mbappé World Cup picks for bigger payouts on PrizePicks.
France CAM Michael Olise vs. Iraq: 59.5 Passes Attempted
- Mbappé provided an outstanding performance last week, but Michael Olise was perhaps even better — taking home the Man of the Match vs. Senegal.
- Olise generated constant playmaking, especially after being moved to a No. 10 position after the first half. In an attacking midfielder role, Olise should regularly handle the ball, helping elevate his passes.
- FIFA credited the standout winger from Bayern Munich with 58 passes attempted. In his final two UEFA World Cup qualifying appearances, Opta Analyst credited Olise with 62.0 passes attempted per match.
- Moving to a No. 10 position should mean more passes ahead — especially following his 89.5% successful pass rate and 4 chances created on Matchday 1.
- Iraq also lost possession 61-39 vs. Norway, and they’ve been prone to sitting in a low block against dangerous attacks. If that continues against France, Olise should have plenty of chances to record passes.
Combine France + Michael Olise World Cup picks for bigger payouts on PrizePicks.
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Make France vs. Iraq World Cup 2026 Picks on PrizePicks
Weather could be a factor for France vs. Iraq, with potential thunderstorms arriving between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. ET in Philadelphia. If this match features high winds, corners, crosses, and aerials will likely be impacted tonight. Regardless, Mbappé and Olise are two players to watch following standout Matchday 1 performances.
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