The World Cup ‘Group of Death’ – Betting Guide
Every major international football tournament seems to have its own ‘group of death’; that is, a group that is very difficult to predict the outcome of.
While that complicates things for punters, it can also create opportunities – odds are generally longer for some, or all, of the teams involved when compared to groups in which the 1-2-3-4 finishing positions seem to be a given.
At the 2026 World Cup, Group I has a deathly look about it… but we think we’ve lined up some value betting tips all the same.
Who’s In Group I at the World Cup?
Leading the way in Group I, as far as the bookies are concerned, is France.
They’re the two-time World Cup winners – and 2022 runner up – with a wealth of world-class players at their disposal. Unbeaten in qualifying, France are amongst the favourites with the bookmakers to win the tournament.
Norway, meanwhile, are considered the next best in Group I as per the leading betting sites. They won every game in qualifying and finished above Italy in their group, so head into their first World Cup since 1998 with confidence.
Not to be underestimated are Senegal, who reached the controversial final of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier in 2026. With several players that star in top domestic leagues around the world, they are a dangerous underdog in Group I.
Bringing up the rear could well be Iraq. But they beat Bolivia in the inter-confederation play-offs to reach the World Cup, before drawing with a strong Spain side in a friendly earlier this month. Could they cause an upset in Group I?
Who are the Star Players in World Cup Group I?
France’s squad is something akin to the Harlem Globetrotters of international football.
You’ve got Kylian Mbappe. He’s one of the best players on the planet, notching a hat-trick in the final of World Cup 2022 on his way to winning the Golden Boot.
Then there’s Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Champions League winning duo Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue, plus Michael Olise - he served up an incredible 45 goal involvements in the German Bundesliga and Champions League in the season just gone.
And that’s just France’s forward line!
Norway have the X Factor of Erling Haaland, whose goalscoring tendencies are such that he is an obvious match winner – especially in tight World Cup games where chances are few and far between.
The Norwegians also boast Arsenal playmaker Martin Odegaard, while fans that like to see the stars of tomorrow today should keep an eye out for the exciting Antonio Nusa and Andreas Schjelderup.
The big star for Senegal is Sadio Mane, although Chelsea fans will remember Nicolas Jackson.
Premier League watchers will also see a strong of familiar faces, including Idrissa Gueye, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr.
The Iraq squad is a little less well-known, although Ipswich Town – promoted to the Premier League in 2025/26 – will provide Ali Al-Hamadi to their cause.
Meanwhile, Aymen Hussein scored nine goals in qualifying: the same as Mo Salah and one more than the likes of Harry Kane and Lionel Messi.
Who Will Win Group I?
France are 6/1 to win World Cup 2026, while Norway (150/1), Senegal (150/1) and Iraq (2,000/1) aren’t given much of a hope by the bookmakers.
Therefore, France have to be considered the most likely winner of Group I. They have a solid defence made up of players from Europe’s top leagues, a diverse and classy midfield and, surely, the best attacking options in the tournament.
If we assume that Iraq are going to finish bottom of Group I, then the real point of interest may well be in who finishes second: Norway or Senegal?
World Cup Group I Betting Tips
France are best odds of 2/5 to win Group I with the likes of Betfred and BetMGM, and while that price doesn’t exactly catch the eye, it does feel like the sort of bet that *should* come in if Les Bleus play to the best of their abilities.
Deciding between Norway and Senegal for second place isn’t easy. The Norwegians are a young progressive team on the up, but their defensive players are considerably weaker than their attack.
The weather in Boston and New Jersey, where Group I will largely play out, is expected to be very hot as well – not ideal for the Scandinavians, perhaps.
A handful of Senegal’s best players are in their mid-30s now, but they have big tournament experience and that could prove a factor – as could their comfort in the heat.
So, there’s scope to back the France-Senegal straight forecast at 11/4, which is available with Betway and other books.
Ladbrokes are offering markets on how many goals each team will score in each group. Norway’s line has been set at 5.5, with the unders side appealing at 4/6.
Let’s say they score once each against France and Senegal… will they put four or more past Iraq? That seems unlikely, and they may not even find the net against France anyway.
Midnite are offering prices on the number of tournament goals scored by individual players. Mbappe to score five or more at 6/4 looks interesting.
Norway and Senegal both have vulnerabilities defensively – the latter shipped three against the USA in a friendly the other day, while Iraq could be Group I’s whipping boys.
To that end, Mbappe could break the back of this bet before the group stage is even over.
- France to Win Group I – 2/5 (Betfred, BetMGM etc)
- France-Senegal Group I Straight Forecast – 11/4 (Betway)
- Norway Under 5.5 Goals in Group I – 4/6 (Ladbrokes)
- Kylian Mbappe 5+ Tournament Goals – 6/4 (Midnite)
England's World Cup Group - Betting Guide
Scotland's World Cup Group - Betting Guide
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