France ought to handle Iraq without too much drama at Lincoln Financial Field. They've already banked three points from that 3-1 win over Senegal on 16 June and sit second in Group I with Norway out in front on the same tally. Iraq sit bottom after their 1-4 thrashing by the Norwegians and need something positive here or the group stage exit door starts creaking open.
Mbappé looks sharp with two goals already in the tournament. Expect him to lead the line again with support from Dembélé and whichever of Barcola or Olise gets the nod. The back four of Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba and Hernández should keep things tight while Tchouaméni or Kanté anchors midfield alongside Rabiot. Maignan stays in goal as usual.
Iraq's attack relies on Aymen Hussein, who netted eight times in Asian qualifying and found the net in the playoff win over Bolivia. Ali Al-Hamadi offers another threat up top and Amir Al-Ammari brings creativity in the middle. Their predicted shape leans toward a 4-4-2 with J. Hassan captaining from defence. No major injury worries for either side, though Hugo Ekitike remains absent for France.
France are strong title contenders and their recent results show they know how to put teams away. Iraq will fight but the gap in quality and current form looks wide. A win here would put Didier Deschamps' side in a strong position heading into the final group match.
Lineups remain unconfirmed but the predicted France 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 and Iraq's 4-4-2 setup give a clear picture of how both coaches want to play. The Philadelphia crowd should see plenty of French possession and quick transitions.
Recommended Bets
France win @1.15 — They've taken three points from their opener and face an Iraq side that conceded four in Matchday 1.
Over 2.5 goals @1.80 — France's 3-1 result and Iraq's 1-4 defeat both featured multiple goals.
Mbappé anytime goalscorer @1.40 — The captain has already scored twice in the tournament and leads the line again.
Odds tend to shorten closer to kickoff — lock in value now.
