The World Cup group stage continues on Monday, and every match from here on out is crucial, with teams battling for knockout-stage qualification. There are another four games on the docket on Monday, and I have a bet in each contest. Let's dive into my top 2026 World Cup picks for Monday, June 22nd’s game France vs. Iraq.
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Monday's Best 2026 World Cup Picks & Predictions: France vs. Iraq
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
France (-1200) vs. Iraq (+3000), DRAW (+1100) | O/U 3.5 (-115/-110)
Tournament favorites France (+400) were propelled by a couple of Kylian Mbappé strikes in their 3-1 victory over Senegal to start the World Cup. Up next on the schedule is Iraq (0-0-1), which dropped its first match 4-1 to Norway. This contest kicks off at 5:00 p.m. ET from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
Iraq is still searching for its first World Cup point, as they're now 0-0-4 all-time between their 2026 and 1986 efforts. Neither I nor a vast majority of the sports betting market anticipate the "Lions of Mesopotamia" achieving that feat on Monday night. There's not really a great way to play the side in this game, so I'm looking at the total and taking the under.
Iraq has gone under this line in 14 of its last 15 matches. Ten of those 15 contests have had two or fewer combined goals, and Iraq has conceded one or fewer goals on 12 occasions.
I don't see Iraq scoring in this match. If they can hunker down and at least limit this potent French offense, we'll have a chance to cash the under. I'll say this game ends 3-0 in France’s favor. Give me the under.
Bet: Under 3.5 Goals (-110)
