Group I · Matchday 2
FrancevsIraq
2026-06-22·17:00 localPredictions finalised
The forecast
Match-outcome probability
- France win70.5%
- Draw21.9%
- Iraq win7.5%
The model rates France as favourites at 82%, with Iraq projected at 2% to win.
Why the model says this
Favoring France
- ·France holds a significant Elo advantage with a delta of 474 points over Iraq, indicating a substantial difference in team strength.
- ·France is ranked 3rd globally by FIFA, while Iraq's ranking is not provided, suggesting a considerable disparity in international standing.
- ·The model predicts France to generate 2.26 expected goals compared to Iraq's 0.49 xG, a difference of 1.77 xG.
- ·Multiple underlying models show strong favour for France, with the Elo model giving them an 82.9% win probability and the Stacking model an even higher 90.0%.
Favoring Iraq
- ·Iraq secured a 2-1 victory in their most recent FIFA World Cup qualification match on 2026-03-31, demonstrating recent competitive success.
- ·In their four wins across the last six matches, Iraq scored 2 goals in each fixture, indicating a consistent attacking output when victorious.
What the model can't fully price
- ·The model does not account for squad availability, with 3 players across both squads carrying fitness doubts, including 1 projected starter, which could impact team performance.
- ·As a Group I matchday 2 fixture, the specific motivation for each team beyond general performance, such as group standing implications, is not explicitly factored into the probability calculation.
- ·The venue and city information are not provided, meaning any potential environmental factors like travel distance, pitch conditions, or crowd support are not incorporated into the model's assessment.
Form check
France
ImprovingFrance enters this fixture in dominant form, having won 5 of their last 6 matches, including four consecutive victories in FIFA World Cup qualification. They have consistently scored, netting 17 goals while conceding only 5 in this period.
5 wins in their last 6 matches
Iraq
SteadyIraq's recent form is mixed, with 4 wins and 2 losses in their last 6 outings. Their victories include three FIFA World Cup qualification matches, but they also suffered two consecutive defeats in the Arab Cup, failing to score in both.
Scored 0 goals in two of their last six matches
Analysis
How it plays out
Both sides run a balanced system, so this becomes a test of who executes the same ideas better on the day.
What decides it
Marcus Thuram's 10.0% scoring probability is the highest in this fixture. Containing that output is Iraq's primary defensive task.
Off the pitch
Didier Deschamps (14 years in charge of France) vs Graham Arnold (1 years). That tenure gap shows up in squad familiarity and set-piece coordination.
The angle
The model gives Iraq just 7.3% to win. Every World Cup produces group-stage upsets; the question is whether this fixture is one of them.
▸Goals & scorelines
Likeliest score 2–0 (17.8%) · xG 2.4 - 0.4
Expected goals
Mean of the Dixon-Coles joint goal distribution. Same fit that produces the most-likely-scoreline list below.
Most likely scorelines
- 2–017.8%
- 1–014.7%
- 3–014.1%
- 4–08.3%
- 2–16.9%
From the Dixon-Coles joint Poisson with the low-score correction. Scorelines are listed in probability order; this is a description of the model's distribution, not a recommendation.
Most likely half-time scorelines
- 1–029.5%
- 0–025.6%
- 2–017.7%
- 3–07.0%
- 1–16.1%
Same Dixon-Coles fit as the full-time list above, with rates halved to a 45-minute window and the low-score correction applied to that 1st-half block. The 0-0 row sits higher here than at full-time because fewer minutes have elapsed.
Goal totals
- More than 0.5 goals93.3%
- More than 1.5 goals76.5%
- More than 2.5 goals52.0%
- More than 3.5 goals29.8%
- More than 4.5 goals14.5%
- More than 5.5 goals6.1%
- Both teams score29.5%
Each row is the probability the match finishes with more than the listed number of goals. Both-teams-to-score is the probability each side scores at least once. All values are marginals of the Dixon-Coles joint goal grid that produces the scoreline list above — not market lines or any other operator construct.
Event-typed probabilities
- France clean sheetOpposing team scores zero67.9%
- Iraq clean sheetOpposing team scores zero9.4%
Derived from the same Dixon-Coles joint distribution as the scoreline list. These are descriptive event probabilities — see CLAUDE.md §3/§4 (formerly COMPLIANCE.md §4.2.7) for the framing the project uses.
Win-margin probability
- France by 4+17.2%
- France by 3+34.8%
- France by 2+58.7%
- France by 1+81.5%
- Draw14.4%
- Iraq by 1+4.2%
- Iraq by 2+0.7%
- Iraq by 3+0.1%
- Iraq by 4+<0.1%
Each row is the probability the match ends with the listed margin or larger in that direction. Marginal of the Dixon-Coles joint goal grid; the “by 1+” rows plus the draw row sum to 1.
▸How the match unfolds
Over 2.5 goals 52.0% · BTTS 29.5%
Game state through the match
- France ahead81.8%
- Level13.7%
- Iraq ahead4.5%
Probability of each game state at minutes 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 — derived from two independent thinned-Poisson processes with the Dixon-Coles per-team rates. The three lines always sum to 1 at each minute. The right column shows the state at the match's closing minute.
When the first goal arrives
- 0–1536.8%
- 15–3023.3%
- 30–4514.7%
- 45–609.3%
- 60–755.9%
- 75–903.7%
- No goal6.3%
Probability the match's first goal arrives in each 15-minute window. Homogeneous Poisson with combined rate λ = λh + λa from the Dixon-Coles fit; the seven rows (six windows + no-goal tail) sum to 1.
Half-time / full-time grid
| HT ↓ / FT → | HFrance win | DDraw | AIraq win |
|---|---|---|---|
| HFrance ahead | 60.2% | 1.9% | 0.2% |
| DLevel | 20.1% | 10.0% | 1.9% |
| AIraq ahead | 1.6% | 1.8% | 2.3% |
Each cell is P(half-time result, full-time result). All nine cells sum to 1. Derived from a halved-λ Dixon-Coles fit for the first half plus an independent-Poisson second-half convolution.
Comeback probability
- France trail at HT, avoid defeat at FT3.4%
- Iraq trail at HT, avoid defeat at FT2.1%
Joint probability — P(side trailing at half-time AND avoiding defeat at full-time). NOT conditional on trailing at HT. Derived from the same half-time / full-time decomposition that produces the HT/FT grid above; a tied first half is neither a home nor an away comeback opportunity.
Cards
- Expected yellow cardsMean of the Poisson on total yellow cards.3.45
- Total yellows over 2.567.0%
- Total yellows over 3.545.3%
- Total yellows over 4.526.5%
- Any red cardP(at least one red card in the match).9.5%
Referee not yet assigned. Using the 2026 pool-mean per-match rate as a placeholder; the model picks up the referee's personal rate once the assignment is published. Total yellow cards modelled as a Poisson with mean equal to two team baselines plus the referee's deviation from the pool mean. Reds are modelled the same way, independently. See /docs/methodology/.
▸Teams & players
Top scorer: Thuram (10.0%)
Match detail
France
Model-rated key players: Marcus Thuram (FW) — P(scores) 10.0%; Kylian Mbappé (FW) — P(scores) 6.2%; Bradley Barcola (FW) — P(scores) 5.0%.
France under Didier Deschamps play a balanced game with 51% possession. Their likely shape is a 4-2-3-1, though they have also used 4-3-3. They sit deeper and pick their moments to press (PPDA 26.1) and build patiently through midfield with 7.5 passes per attacking sequence.
France will need to leverage their strengths while managing the physical demands of a tournament spread across three host countries. Managing the fitness of Kylian Mbappé could prove decisive — their availability transforms the team's ceiling.
Iraq
Model-rated key players: Aymen Hussein (FW) — P(scores) 2.9%; Mohanad Ali (FW) — P(scores) 2.9%; Ali Al-Hamadi (FW) — P(scores) 1.4%.
Limited recent tournament data is available for Iraq's tactical profile. Early indicators suggest a balanced approach.
Iraq will need to leverage their strengths while managing the physical demands of a tournament spread across three host countries. Managing minutes for Jalal Hassan across what could be seven matches will test the coaching staff's rotation planning.
France's predicted XI averages 2,336 club minutes over the 2024-25 season (moderate load).
France coverage: 92.0% (11/11 XI matched against the FBref Big-5) · Iraq: 4.0% (0/11).
France historically converts 16.4% of xG from set-pieces, contributing 0.39 expected set-piece goals in this fixture. Combined, the model expects 0.39 set-piece goals across the 90 minutes.
- P(France scores set-piece goal) 32.2%
- P(set-piece goal in match) 32.2%
France: Florian Thauvin on corners (70 corners) (per fbref 2020 21)
If a penalty is awarded to France, the model gives 73.3% conversion, 71.4% for Iraq.
France primary PK: Marcus Thuram (4/5 in 2018-19, per fbref 2020 21).
Derived from the model's per-fixture forecast joint and supporting reference data (predicted squads, set-piece xG share, PK posteriors, club minutes). See /docs/methodology/ for the full methodology.
Tactical forecast
- PPDA
- 26.1
- Possession
- 51%
- Directness (yds/pass)
- 5.2
- Long balls/90
- 28
- Set-piece xG
- 16%
Partial coverage from FotMob match stats (recent qualifiers and friendlies): possession and shot volume only. Press and build-up metrics are not available for this side.
- PPDA
- —
- Possession
- 48%
- Directness (yds/pass)
- —
- Long balls/90
- —
- Set-piece xG
- —
Style profile per side from StatsBomb open-data aggregation across recent international tournaments (Euro 2020/2024, Copa America 2024, AFCON 2023, World Cup 2018/2022). The tactical-fingerprint badge maps each team’s observed style vector into one of eight canonical archetypes via a rule-based classifier; teams with fewer than three matches of qualifying coverage carry an “insufficient-data” label rather than being forced into a default. Sides outside the StatsBomb-open corpus use FotMob team match stats from recent qualifiers and friendlies instead (possession and shot volume only), marked as partial coverage. PPDA = passes the side allows per defensive action (lower = more intense press). Formation distributions are not yet produced — that head of the §2.7 classifier is pending its own data pull. See /docs/methodology/.
Squad depth
Most irreplaceable starters
France
- N'Golo KantéDefensive midfieldNo natural backup0.43gap
- Aurélien TchouaméniDefensive midfieldNo natural backup0.26gap
- Kylian MbappéStrikerCover: Jean-Philippe Mateta · 0.770.21gap
Iraq
- Ali Al-HamadiStrikerCover: Ali Yousif · 0.050.36gap
- Aymen HusseinStrikerCover: Ali Yousif · 0.050.14gap
- Mohanad AliStrikerCover: Ali Yousif · 0.050.12gap
Gap = how far a side's rating at the position falls from the starter to his likely in-squad replacement (named under each name). Larger = harder to replace. Descriptive metric, does not feed the published probabilities. Methodology →
Match conditions
- AltitudeNear sea level10 m
- Avg temperatureFive-year mean over the tournament window24.8 °C
- Avg humidity70%
- Heat stressShade WBGT ~26.5 °CLow heat stress
- Pitch surfacenatural grass
Natural-grass NFL stadium; FIFA-standard hybrid pitch for the tournament.
Heat stress is a shade Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature proxy from the venue's climatology mean temperature and humidity; FIFA mandates cooling breaks at WBGT 32 °C. Evening kickoff (local time). These are long-window averages, not a match-day forecast, and they are not inputs to the forecast.
Top scorers · P(scores in this match)
- Marcus ThuramPKFW10.0%
- Kylian MbappéFW6.2%
- Bradley BarcolaFW5.0%
- Aymen HusseinFW2.9%
- Mohanad AliFW2.9%
- Ali Al-HamadiFW1.4%
Per-player scoring rate from Model #5 (`p_score_per_match`). Reflects each player's npxG/90, expected minutes, team xG share, and the average opposing-team defence. See /docs/methodology/.
Recent match form
Last match player ratings
France
vs Sweden · avg 7.6
Iraq
vs Senegal · avg 4.5
Player scores from official highlight analysis of each team's most recent match. Observational, not a model input. Methodology →
Video analysis: player performance
Per-player ratings and event breakdowns from official highlights analysis. Tap a player to see their full match timeline.
8Kylian Mbappé3'–14'Consistently threatened the opposition goal with numerous shots and dangerous dribbles, despite being repeatedly denied by the goalkeeper.
6shots5on target▼
Consistently threatened the opposition goal with numerous shots and dangerous dribbles, despite being repeatedly denied by the goalkeeper.
Match timeline
8Rayan CherkiScored a crucial goal for France with a powerful shot, demonstrating quick feet and vision.
Scored a crucial goal for France with a powerful shot, demonstrating quick feet and vision.
7Ousmane Dembélé1'–13'Active on the right wing, consistently creating chances and forcing saves with his dribbling and shots.
3shots3on target▼
Active on the right wing, consistently creating chances and forcing saves with his dribbling and shots.
Match timeline
7N'Golo KantéProvided essential defensive cover and maintained effective ball distribution in the midfield.
Provided essential defensive cover and maintained effective ball distribution in the midfield.
7Mike Maignan2'–7'Made crucial saves early in the match to deny the opposition's attacking efforts and maintain France's advantage.
2saves▼
Made crucial saves early in the match to deny the opposition's attacking efforts and maintain France's advantage.
Match timeline
7Marcus ThuramUsed his physical presence effectively to draw fouls and create space, registering one shot on target.
Used his physical presence effectively to draw fouls and create space, registering one shot on target.
6Désiré Doué10'–10'Registered one shot on target after getting into a good attacking position.
1shots1on target▼
Registered one shot on target after getting into a good attacking position.
Match timeline
9Ahmed BasilWas a standout performer, making a remarkable string of excellent and crucial saves to keep his team in the match against relentless French attacks.
Was a standout performer, making a remarkable string of excellent and crucial saves to keep his team in the match against relentless French attacks.
8G. DoueScored a well-taken goal for the away team, showing composure in front of goal and initiating a comeback.
Scored a well-taken goal for the away team, showing composure in front of goal and initiating a comeback.
8AhmadScored a powerful late goal, showcasing clinical finishing under pressure to complete the comeback.
Scored a powerful late goal, showcasing clinical finishing under pressure to complete the comeback.
6Marko Farji2'–2'Registered one shot on target, providing a brief moment of attacking threat for the away team.
1shots1on target▼
Registered one shot on target, providing a brief moment of attacking threat for the away team.
Match timeline
Match observations
- The match was a lively affair with both teams creating numerous scoring opportunities. France initially dominated possession and created more chances, but Ivory Coast remained a threat on the counter-attack.
- The game saw a significant increase in intensity and goal-scoring action in the second half, with both sides finding the net.
- Individual skill and quick transitions were prominent features, leading to an exciting contest that went down to the wire.
▸Under the hood
Model-by-model comparison
France vs Iraq
| Model | Weight | Home | Draw | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EloRating-based strength estimate | 32% | 84.5% | 15.5% | 0.0% |
| Dixon-ColesGoal-process model with low-score correction | 63% | 81.6% | 14.2% | 4.2% |
| Hierarchical PoissonBayesian model with confederation pooling | 6% | 80.0% | 14.9% | 5.1% |
| Bayesian stackingLearned-weight combination | — | 93.4% | 6.6% | 0.0% |
| Ensemble (published)Uniform average + isotonic calibration | — | 81.7% | 16.8% | 1.5% |
How each model works
- Elo
- Each team carries a single strength rating updated after every match by a margin-aware K-factor. Match probabilities come from the logistic function of the rating gap. Elo is fast-adapting but coarse — it sees only who won and by how much, not how the goals were scored.
- Dixon-Coles
- A Poisson regression on team-level attack and defence parameters, fitted via maximum likelihood with an exponential time-decay weighting. The Dixon-Coles correction adjusts the four low-score cells (0-0, 1-0, 0-1, 1-1) where independent Poisson underestimates dependence. Produces full scoreline distributions, not just H/D/A.
- Hierarchical Poisson
- A Bayesian Poisson model fitted via MCMC (PyMC) with hierarchical priors that pool attack and defence parameters within confederations. Shrinks small-sample teams toward their confederation mean — helpful for nations with few recent competitive fixtures. Slower to fit but better-calibrated on the tails.
- Bayesian stacking
- Optimises simplex weights (w_elo, w_dc, w_hp) to maximise the leave-one-out log-score across a walk-forward backtest (Yao et al. 2018). The result is a weighted average of the three component models' probabilities, then isotonic-calibrated. Adds no extra features — just learns which component to trust more from historical accuracy.
- Ensemble (published)
- Equal-weight average of all three component models, followed by per-class isotonic regression calibration fitted on 24 months of walk-forward out-of-fold predictions. This is the probability published on the site. The uniform mean is deliberately simple — it avoids overfitting to the stacking weights' training window.
Three independent component models feed two combination strategies. The uniform ensemble is the published probability; Bayesian stacking uses learned weights. Amber bars flag >5pp divergence from the published number. Full methodology
Probability decomposition (transparency surface)
- Baseline ensemble — P(France win)75.3%
- + Lineup contribution0.0pp
- + Style-matchup contribution+0.1pp
- Published P(France win)75.4%
Decomposition of the published P(France win) into the calibrated- baseline plus contributions from the §2.3 expected-XI lineup delta and the §2.7 style-matchup interaction. The §2.7 roadmap is explicit that style effects are second-order to team strength — single-digit-percentage P(win) shifts on extreme style matchups, near-zero on balanced ones. We surface the decomposition for transparency even when the contributions are small; the baseline carries the prediction. Methodology: /docs/methodology.
Head-to-head history
| Date | Competition | Venue | Score | Result | xG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Jun 2026 | FIFA World Cup | NPhiladelphia | 3–0 | W | — |
France vs Iraq, every senior international meeting in the martj42 results dataset (score from France's perspective; H/A/N = home/away/neutral).
Latest news & match context
- France vs. Spain, 2026 World Cup semifinals: Match thread and discussion · Stars and Stripes FC · 14 Jul
- World Cup Watch Thread: Semi Finals | France vs Spain · Royal Blue Mersey · 14 Jul
- France v Spain - who would England rather face in the World Cup final? · Daily Mirror — Football · 14 Jul
- What color jerseys are France and Spain wearing today? World Cup kit reveal · Yahoo Sports Australia · 14 Jul
- How and where to watch Spain vs. France 2026 World Cup match: TV channel, streaming options · The New York Times · 14 Jul
- Stage:
- Group I · Matchday 2
- Date:
- 22 Jun
France and Iraq both come in at close to full strength, so the forecast rests on baseline team strength rather than late team-news swings.
The model's style-matchup analysis nudges the forecast −0.1pp toward a draw, versus the baseline team-strength prior.
Availability from the predicted squads and injury feed; forecast adjustments from the model's own decomposition. See /docs/methodology/.
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