France take on Iraq in Philadelphia on Saturday night and will be looking to build on their opening game win over Senegal to take charge of World Cup Group I.
Les Bleus, who reached the World Cup final four years ago, earned a 3-1 victory against Senegal and will be confident of making it two wins from two when they face the Lions of Mesopotamia.
Competing in their first World Cup since 1986, Iraq equalised against Norway after going a goal behind but ended up losing 4-1 and will likely struggle against a France side in good form.
We have scoured the World Cup betting markets and put together an 11/4 bet builder ahead of this match in Philadelphia.
France v Iraq Bet Builder Tips
Kylian Mbappe anytime goalscorer @ 9/20
France to win to nil @ 1/2
Over 3.5 goals @ 7/8
Pays out at 11/4
Mbappe to build on goal record
Kylian Mbappe made France football history against Senegal, scoring a brace to become his nation’s all-time top scorer with 58 goals.
The Real Madrid forward also took his World Cup goal tally to 14 and is now just two behind Miroslav Klose and Lionel Messi, who hold the tournament top spot with 16.
Out to send Les Bleus through to the knockout stages while boosting his scoring account, spare a thought for the Iraqi defence, who must now contend with Mbappe just days after coming up against Erling Haaland.
The towering Norway striker grabbed a brace in his country’s 4-1 defeat of Iraq and Mbappe will likely follow suit in getting his name on the scoresheet.
Leg 1: Kylian Mbappe anytime goalscorer @ 9/20
Les Bleus ready to blank out Iraq
Aymen Hussein’s equaliser for Iraq against Norway was a major moment for the nation playing at their first World Cup in 40 years.
However, notching against France will surely prove a more difficult task in Philadelphia.
Attack is the best form of defence for Didier Deschamps’ side and so Iraq will likely be camped in their own half with chances few and far between.
The Lions of Mesopotamia have drawn a blank in three of their last seven matches and managed just one shot on target against the Norwegians.
Though Les Bleus haven’t kept a clean sheet in six matches, conceding to Brazil, Colombia and the Ivory Coast during that run, the gap in quality between them and Iraq suggests goalkeeper Mike Maignan can record a first shutout since November.
Betting on France to win to nil may be a wise pick as they look to reach the knockout stages before the final group game.
Leg 2: France to win to nil @ 1/2
France to secure convincing win
The World Cup draw wasn’t kind to Iraq as every nation on the planet would fear facing Haaland and Mbappe in quick succession, so another heavy defeat could be on the cards.
While Mbappe is the star man in the attack, France are dangerous right across the frontline with Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele all capable of scoring.
Les Bleus netted three against a Senegal side that had kept four clean sheets in the last eight games, so Iraq will likely struggle to keep Mbappe and Co at bay.
Five of France’s last six wins have featured four goals and backing over 3.5 goals in Saturday’s game looks like a smart play.
Leg 3: Over 3.5 goals @ 7/8
