FIFA World Cup 2026 odds & best bets for Group I/J

The 2026 FIFA World Cup rolls on with another strong slate of group-stage games, headlined by France facing Senegal and defending champions Argentina opening their campaign against Algeria.

France are short-priced favourites against a dangerous Senegal side, Norway start their tournament as heavy favourites against Iraq, Argentina look to make a fast start in Group J, and Austria meet World Cup debutants Jordan in San Francisco.

Here are our top World Cup 2026 betting tips for France vs Senegal, Iraq vs Norway, Argentina vs Algeria and Austria vs Jordan, with odds from the best soccer bookmakers in United States.

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France vs Senegal

Group I: Tuesday, June 16 – New York/New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey
France open their World Cup campaign as favourites, priced at -200 to beat Senegal, with the draw at +340 and Senegal at +500.

This is not the kind of opener where France should expect everything to come easily. Senegal have enough defensive structure, physicality and tournament experience to make this a grind, and they should be happy to slow the game down if France start controlling possession.

The 0-0 draw at +1200 is a bold play, but the price is big enough to make sense. France have the attacking talent, but opening games can be cagey, and Senegal are capable of turning this into a low-tempo contest where clear chances are harder to find.

Iraq vs Norway

Group I: Tuesday, June 16 – Boston Stadium, Boston
Norway return to the World Cup as heavy favourites against Iraq, sitting at -500 in the head-to-head market, while the draw is +550 and Iraq are +1200.

Most of the attention will be on Norway’s star names, but the anytime goalscorer market gives us a more interesting way into this game. Iraq are outsiders, yet they still have a clear attacking focal point in Ali Al Hamadi, who gives them a physical presence and a real penalty-box target.

Norway should have more possession and territory, but that does not kill the Al Hamadi angle. Iraq may only need one set piece, one counter or one loose ball in the area for him to become dangerous. At +700, he is worth a swing as a big-priced anytime goalscorer.

Argentina vs Algeria

Group J: Tuesday, June 16 – Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City
Argentina start their title defence against Algeria, with the South Americans priced at -250, the draw at +360 and Algeria at +650.

Argentina should be keen to put their stamp on the group early. They have the control in midfield, the attacking quality to break lines, and enough tournament know-how to punish Algeria if the underdogs start slowly.

The halftime correct-score market is the one to attack. Argentina 2-0 at the break at +550 is an aggressive play, but it fits a game where the favourites could start fast and force Algeria into survival mode before halftime.

Austria vs Jordan

Group J: Tuesday, June 16 – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara
Austria open as favourites against Jordan, priced at -277.78, with the draw at +400 and Jordan at +700.

Austria have the stronger squad on paper, but Jordan’s first World Cup appearance gives this match a tricky feel. They should bring energy, emotion and enough attacking intent to make Austria defend properly, especially if the favourites leave space while chasing control.

The 1-1 correct score at +1200 is the value play. Austria may have more of the ball, but Jordan are capable of making this awkward and finding one big moment in what could become a nervy opener for both sides.

World Cup 2026 top betting picks

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