France's defensive vulnerabilities were already under scrutiny before the Senegal clash, and those concerns resurfaced in the opening game. Nevertheless, they still emerged as comfortable winners.
Iraq are expected to find it difficult to create meaningful chances against one of the tournament favorites.
With superior quality throughout the squad, France should have enough to secure a convincing victory, book their place in the Round of 32, and record their first clean sheet in seven matches.
Score Prediction
France 3-1 Iraq
Probable Starting Lineups
France (4-2-3-1)
Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne; Rabiot, Kone; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe.
Iraq (4-4-2)
Basil; Ali, Tahseen, Hashem, Doski; Bayesh, Al-Ammari, Iqbal, Ali Jasim; Hussein, Al-Hamadi.