Football

World Cup Warm Up Best Bets - June 4

By Ben Darvill

2 hours ago

Ben Darvill 2 hours ago

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Best bets for the World Cup warm up matches played on June 4
Featured games include Spain vs Iraq and France vs Ivory Coast
Preview, stats & head to head

Kylian Mbappe of France (Getty Images)

Spain vs Iraq
France vs Ivory Coast

Spain vs Iraq

Spain are building towards the 2026 World Cup with a clash against an opponent they have only played once before. Their 1-0 win over Iraq back in 2009 means the head to head between the pair means little. Instead, Spain's recent run of results is more important. Indeed, a string of wins to nil over the likes of Bulgaria, Turkey and Serbia has seen the Spanish impress at both ends of the pitch, while they are currently unbeaten across their last eight, with only their defeat on penalties to Portugal back in June of 2025 ruining this run.

For Iraq, this is a major chance to test themselves against a side that is also part of the 2026 World Cup. Placed into a group with France, Senegal and Norway, Iraq are really up against it. Fortunately for the nation, they arrive with wins over Bolivia and Andorra, with this pair of victories ending a two-game losing run. The big worry for Iraq in this match will be that they have not played a side as good as Spain for some time.

If Spain decide to play their first XI in an attempt to give their starters game time ahead of the tournament, then I predict a simple win for the Spanish. The reigning European champions will be the choice of many when it comes to winning the World Cup this year, and I predict they will get things rolling with a win to nil in this friendly.

France vs Ivory Coast

France have played some strong sides across 2026, with the European outfit looking to test themselves against quality opposition. In March of 2026, France have beaten Brazil (2-1) and Colombia (3-1), with both sides set to partake in the World Cup along with the French. If France are able to build momentum heading into the World Cup then they will be incredibly difficult to beat. While the Ivory Coast will provide a good test, they are no match for a French side in full flow.

Ivory Coast have impressed in recent outings, winning their last two matches without conceding. Hammering South Korea 4-0 was followed by a tighter 1-0 win over Scotland. While neither side is at the pinnacle of the game, both are solid outfits that know their own games well. This simply means that the Ivory Coast needed to be at their best to win these meetings.

The pair have only met a total of three times, with the Ivory Coast yet to win a game. France won in 2005 and 2022, while the pair battled to a 0-0 draw in a friendly back in 2016. Much like the other friendlies, selection will dictate which side wins this game. If France field close to their starting XI, they should have no problem winning this match.

Verdict

France v Ivory Coast

I am backing Spain to win their match to nil as France defeat Ivory Coast in a game that sees over 2.5 goals scored.

Spain

Spain vs Iraq To Win To Nil

@-222.22 - 1 Unit

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France Win & Over 2.5

France vs Ivory Coast Match Winner & Total Goals

@-109.89 - 1 Unit