2026 World Cup Group I Betting Guide

France will open their World Cup campaign against AFCON finalists Senegal in New Jersey. The favourites will then face Iraq in Philadelphia before closing their group stage against Norway in Massachusetts.

All of Group I’s contenders will remain in the US, with Norway and Iraq kicking off their World Cup in New Jersey - an important match for both nations before facing two strong sides in the following rounds.

But will there be any shocks along the way? Or will it be a walk in the park for the French? Nathan Joyes will be provding betting tips on the World Cup during the tournament and has analysed Group I and put forward his best bets.

Group I Team analysis

France

France won all but one of their World Cup qualifiers and have since beaten South American opposition twice as they prepare to justify their price. After beating Brazil with 10 men, a rotated side had no issues putting three past Colombia’s strongest XI - a nation expected to play their part this summer.

Didier Deschamps’ squad is a joke. A front line including a combination of Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Hugo Ekitike, Desire Doue and Marcus Thuram is frightening - and capable of hurting any defence heading to the US this summer.

But they aren’t just favourites for their offensive game. Bayern’s Dayot Upamecano and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate will be a difficult duo to break down at the other end of the pitch.

France may have issues later on in the tournament if they meet the likes of Spain, but they’ve proven capable of beating most nations around the globe over the last couple of years and no one will enjoy facing them.

Senegal

Although adamant they are the AFCON champions, Senegal proved to not only Africa but the world that they are a nation many should fear this summer.

Pape Thiaw’s squad didn’t lose a single match at AFCON - beating both Egypt and Morocco - before their trophy was taken away and given to the hosts. But their performances on the pitch - away from the drama - were strong. They only conceded two goals in seven matches and scored three goals on three different occasions.

Nicolas Jackson and Cherif Ndiaye both scored two each during the tournament, while Sadio Mane weighed in with one and an assist. Defensively resilient yet players on the transition that can hurt teams, Senegal will be one of - if not - the strongest nation representing Africa at the World Cup - and one that will relish the conditions compared to others.

Norway

Norway return to the World Cup stage after a 28 year absence and they will be in a confident mood after their qualifying campaign. The Scandinavian nation won all eight matches - including a double of Italy - scoring 37 goals while only conceding five.

All eyes will be on Erling Haaland who contributed 16 of those goals, although Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth will be capable of chipping in when called upon. Rangers’ Thelo Aasgaard and Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa are two others that can produce from midfield and may be required to step up once more to get out of this group.

Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard will be contributing from the no.10 role - who weighed in with seven assists during the qualifiers. Norway will be many punters’ dark horses to go far this summer, and if they can adapt to the conditions, it’s difficult to argue with them considering what they have achieved over the last 18 months.

Iraq

Iraq came through the World Cup qualifiers with a dramatic 2-1 win against Bolivia in Mexico to make it to the finals for the first time since 1986.

Graham Arnold’s side had to battle through multiple stages to get here having failed to finish in the top two of their World Cup qualifying group. Both South Korea and Jordan finished ahead of Iraq, adding to the complexity of their route to the 2026 edition.

But the Middle-East nation made it - but what they can achieve is another question. Failing to beat Saudi Arabia, UAE, Palestine and Kuwait over the last 12 months are worrying signs for Arnold’s men.

Bolivia battered Iraq in Mexico yet somehow lost - and a nation that can’t perform away from altitude dominating shows the level of what Iraq will bring to this World Cup. They have been drawn in a very difficult group, and they aren’t expected to pick up many points. A swift exit is on the cards.

Group I Betting tips

Group winner: France 1/2 with Betfred

France are favourites at World Cup bookies and will have an opportunity to flex their muscles in Group I. Although both Senegal and Norway will prove stern tests, Deschamps’ side have already shown in recent friendlies they shouldn’t have issues against either.

Both Brazil and Colombia were brushed to one side in March and the depth France have bodes well across the group stage and beyond. France are one of few nations that can rotate and their high-quality doesn’t drop, which shows they can tinker with tactics if they aren’t working.

But with so much attacking talent on show, France should finish top of this group and qualify with relative ease.

Qualifiers: Senegal

Many will fancy Norway to sneak through with France but Senegal’s performances throughout the AFCON were very impressive from start to finish. Not only were Senegal solid at the back, but they have more than enough at the other end of the pitch to be a threat to everyone in this group.

But where Senegal may finish above Norway will be down to the conditions. It’s going to be hot in the US - conditions the Senegalese players will adapt to quicker than the vast majority of Norway’s squad.

On paper, Norway may look slightly stronger but it’s difficult to separate them based on what we’ve witnessed in recent months. If Senegal put in a good performance against France, confidence will be high, and they have the capabilities to beat Norway.

Longshot team to watch: Norway

However, with three potential spots up for grabs, it would be foolish to think Norway won’t make it out of Group I. This is a squad that is filled with talent from front to back - and a nation that clearly knows where the back of the net is.

No one will want to face Haaland if he’s in the mood this summer, but there’s plenty of players in and around him that make Norway a dangerous proposition. There are three great teams in this group and all of them can have a good run in the tournament if they play at their best. Back Norway to make it through and trouble other nations in the knockout stage. We have a list of World Cup betting offers and backing Norway to qualify could be a good way to redeem a free bet.

World Cup Group I Standings

2026 World Cup Group I Fixtures