Group I World Cup 2026 Betting: France, Norway and My Verdict

Group I plays both its matchday-two fixtures on 22 June, which makes it a tidy one to dissect in a single sitting. France-Iraq is a formality; Norway-Senegal is the real scrap. Here’s my betting read on the lot. Figures current as at 22 June 2026.

Group I: France and Norway lead the way into matchday two.

France (1.08) v Iraq is a formality — no betting value in the 1X2, but Mbappé’s 100th cap adds a scorer-market angle.
Norway v Senegal is the genuine contest: ~1.90 each way, with Haaland anytime scorer (~1.95) the standout play.
France and Norway both won their openers; Iraq and Senegal are staring at elimination.
In-play online betting is not permitted in Australia — get these on pre-match.

The lay of the land

After round one, Norway top the group on goal difference (+3) ahead of France (+2), both on three points; Senegal and Iraq are on nil. So both favourites can take a big stride today. Group context sits in the Group Stage Guide.

France v Iraq (7:00am AEST) — formality

France are 1.08, with Opta giving them 88.5%. Iraq shipped a 1-4 to Norway on debut and are at their first World Cup since 1986. There’s no value in the result; the goals line is the only sensible angle. France lead the outright market at 4.70 — more on the Odds Guide and my France take. My Rating (as a bet): 6/10 — watch, don’t back the 1.08.

Norway v Senegal (10:00am AEST) — the value match

This is the one I’m interested in. Prices are tight (Norway 2.04, draw 3.41, Senegal 3.22), and Erling Haaland has scored in 11 straight internationals. Norway are a 31.00 outright dark horse, and Haaland’s scoring run is the kind of form line I’ll take over a coin-flip result market. My pick: Haaland anytime scorer. My Rating: 7/10.

What it means for the group

If France and Norway both win, the pair are all but through and Senegal-Iraq are left fighting for a best-third lifeline. The most likely outcome is the seeding order at the top firming up — useful intel for knockout-bracket bets later.

Expert Verdict

Worked example: A $25 punt on Haaland anytime scorer at 1.95 returns $48.75 (stake included). Implied probability: ~51.3%. Compare lines at RichRoyal or ZotaBet.

France’s result is unbackable; the value in Group I today lives in Norway-Senegal and the scorer markets, Haaland chief among them. Both fixtures headline my best bets for 22 June. Odds in AUD; online in-play betting isn’t permitted in Australia, so take these pre-match. Compare AU lines at RichRoyal or ZotaBet. Gamble responsibly, 18+.

Who leads Group I at the World Cup 2026?

Norway lead on goal difference (+3) ahead of France (+2), both on three points after round one, as at 22 June 2026.

What are the odds for Norway v Senegal?

As at 22 June 2026: Norway 2.04, the draw 3.41, Senegal 3.22 in decimal odds.

When do the Group I matches kick off in Australia?

On 22 June (ET): France-Iraq at 7:00am AEST and Norway-Senegal at 10:00am AEST on Tuesday 23 June.

Odds as at 22 June 2026 (decimal, sources: ESPN, FOX Sports). Ratings are my opinion. Online in-play betting is not permitted in Australia. Gamble responsibly — 18+.