World Cup Group I Betting Guide: Odds, Schedule & Preview
Group I is approaching its final round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with France and Norway already through to the Round of 32 after winning their opening two matches. Senegal and Iraq have been eliminated from knockout-round contention. France entered the tournament as one of the favorites to win both the group and the World Cup.
2026 World Cup Group I Odds
World Cup betting features a wide array of World Cup odds and markets. Many sportsbooks offer a variety of Group-specific markets, which can help us find value in our World Cup bets. The most popular Group markets include the following:
- To Win Group
- Group Runner Up
- Group Third Place
- To Finish Bottom
- To Qualify From Group
- Group Qualification Yes/No
- To Win All Group Games
- To Lose All Group Games
- Group Forecast
Group I Tiebreaker Rules
If two or more teams finish with the same number of points in the group stage, the standings are decided by the following criteria:
- Goal difference
- Total goals scored
- Points earned in head-to-head matches
- Goal difference in head-to-head matches
- Goals scored in head-to-head matches
- Fair play record
- Drawing of lots
2026 World Cup Group I Preview: Preview, Favorites & Qualification Scenarios
France is the clear favorite to win Group I, as well as being one of the favorites to win the tournament outright. Their star-studded squad will be incredibly difficult to beat, and they should top their Group with ease.
The key fixture in Group I will be Norway vs Senegal. These two sides will be fighting it out for second place – if either can take the win here, it will go a long way in deciding which country qualifies automatically for the Knockout Stages and which side has to hope they’re one of the best third-placed teams.
World Cup Group I Schedule
Take a look at the Group I kick-off times and dates for this year’s World Cup. The final Group games will be played at the same time.
Matchday 1
- Tuesday, June 16th: France vs Senegal – 3 p.m. ET (MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey)
- Tuesday, June 16th: Iraq vs Norway – 6 p.m. ET (Gillette Stadium, Foxborough)
Matchday 2
- Monday, June 22nd: France vs Iraq – 5 p.m. ET (Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia)
- Monday, June 22nd: Norway vs Senegal – 8 p.m. (MetLife Stadium, NY/NJ)
Matchday 3
- Friday, 26th June: Norway vs France – 3 p.m. ET (Gillette Stadium, Foxborough)
- Friday, 26th June: Senegal vs Iraq – 3 p.m. ET (BMO Field, Toronto)
Group I Team Profiles
Read below for our assessment of each Group I team, including key players, route to the tournament, and their chances of qualifying for the Knockout Stages.
France
One of the favorites to win the World Cup outright, and in fact my personal choice to do so, France is the standout name in Group I. They won five and drew one of their six UEFA Group D qualifying games, scoring 16 goals in the process.
The strength in depth that France have, particularly in attack, is mesmerising. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Rayan Cherki, and Michael Olise are amongst the best players in world soccer right now. We can’t wait to see this attacking line-up in action.
After an incredible 2022 Final, for the neutrals at least, France missed out to Argentina on penalties. Didier Deschamps’ side will be looking to repeat the success of 2018 and 1998, and is in a good place to do just that.
- Key Players: Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele
Senegal
After a hugely controversial AFCON, Senegal heads into the World Cup looking to reach the Knockout Stages for the second tournament in a row. They qualified from CAF Group B easily, but they’re in a pretty tough group in this World Cup.
France is the favorite to win the Group, so it’s looking like a straight battle between Senegal and Norway over who gets second place. Senegal has the more recent World Cup history, but it will be tough against a Norway side featuring the goalscoring machine that is Erling Haaland.
- Key Players: Sadio Mane, Iliman Ndiaye
Iraq
Iraq secured its spot at this year’s World Cup after beating the UAE in the AFC Fifth Round, followed by a win over Bolivia in the inter-continental playoffs. This is only the second time Iraq has qualified for the tournament, and the first since 1986.
They’ve been placed in a really tough group, and it’s difficult to see where they will pick up points from.
- Key Players: Aymen Hussein, Zidane Iqbal
Norway
This is the first time since 1998 that Norway has qualified for the World Cup. They eased their way through qualification, winning all of their UEFA Group I games and scoring an incredible 37 goals in the process.
Star man Erling Haaland scored 16 of those goals and finished as UEFA’s Qualifying top scorer. If Norway are to reach the Knockout Rounds, they’ll need Haaland to be on top form.
- Key Players: Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard
Group I Winner Prediction: France
While there’s little value in the odds, France should win Group I and comfortably so at that. Their strength-in-depth, coupled with their frightening attacking prowess, will be enough to see France through to the latter stages of the tournament at the very least.
Group I Prop Bet – France 1st Norway 2nd Group Forecast (DraftKings +125)
While Senegal will prove a tough opponent, we think Norway will pip them to second place. Senegal might still qualify as a third-place team, but for us, the Norwegians will enjoy a successful return to the World Cup stage and reach the Knockout Stages by finishing second to France.
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World Cup Group I betting FAQs
Who will finish bottom of Group I?
Iraq will likely finish at the bottom of the Group (-340 at DraftKings). They’re up against tough opponents in France, Senegal, and Norway. We can’t really see any game they can pick up points from.
What Group I players should I look out for?
Group I features some of the most exciting talent in world soccer. The whole French squad, from front to back, features some of the best players in the world. Norway’s Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, and Oscar Bobb will be the keys to their country’s success. Senegal features some incredible talent in Iliman Ndiaye, Sadio Mane, and Ismaila Sarr, with Iraq’s up-and-coming youngster Zidane Iqbal also one to watch.
