Group I World Cup Odds & Betting: Norway and Senegal to Challenge France?
Will Jackson 
Scott McGlynn
Group I features one of the most anticipated fixtures of the group stage, with reigning runners-up France taking on Africa Cup of Nations holders Senegal. It has the potential to be a battle for top spot from the very first game.
Iraq's emotional return to the World Cup after 40 years adds extra significance to the group, while Norway complete the four-team lineup and will bring genuine goal-scoring threat through Erling Haaland.
France arrive under Didier Deschamps as one of the two or three most likely winners of the entire tournament. Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and the emergence of Hugo Ekitike and Desire Doue give them firepower throughout the squad, and this could be Deschamps' best chance of ending his tenure with the ultimate prize.
Senegal are Africa's strongest side and the game against France on June 16 at MetLife Stadium has the potential to be one of the group stage's defining matches. Norway with Haaland are always dangerous and capable of a result against either of the group's favourites.
France should top Group I, but Senegal are entirely capable of finishing second ahead of Norway if their collective quality translates on the biggest stage. Iraq will be targeting competitive performances rather than progression, but their presence gives Group I a dimension beyond the football that makes it one of the most compelling groups of the tournament. Find the latest World Cup 2026 free bets to back your Group I pick.
Group I Winner Odds
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Group I to Qualify Odds
Check out the latest qualification odds from our best World Cup betting sites.
Group I Fixtures
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Group I Teams
Follow the latest odds, fixture lists and betting markets on each team in the group.
Gamble Responsibly
Betting on the World Cup should be an enjoyable part of following the tournament. With 64 matches across six weeks, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the markets, but it's important to approach it in a way that stays fun from the group stage right through to the final. Here's everything you need to know about betting safely.
Set a Budget Before the Tournament Starts
The single most effective thing you can do before placing your first bet is decide how much you're comfortable spending across the whole tournament. With matches coming thick and fast during the group stage, it's easy to find yourself betting more than you intended without a clear limit in place.
Think of your betting budget the same way you'd think about any other entertainment spend — a ticket to a gig, a night out, a sports subscription. Once it's gone, it's gone. Breaking your total budget down by week or by round can help you pace yourself and make sure you've still got something to bet with when the knockout stages arrive.
Never Chase Your Losses
Chasing losses is one of the most common ways recreational betting stops being enjoyable and starts becoming a problem. If your bets aren't landing, the instinct can be to place a bigger bet to win it back quickly. That instinct is worth ignoring. No bet is ever a certainty, and increasing your stakes when you're on a losing run is more likely to make things worse than better.
If things aren't going your way, the best thing to do is step back, stick to your budget, and come back fresh for the next set of fixtures. The World Cup is a long tournament — there's always another game around the corner.
Use the Safer Gambling Tools Available to You
Every UK-licensed bookmaker is required by law to offer free tools to help you manage your betting. These are available in the responsible gambling or safer gambling section of your account and include:
- Deposit limits - cap how much money you can add to your account daily, weekly or monthly
- Loss limits - set a maximum amount you're willing to lose over a given period
- Session time limits - receive reminders or automatic logouts after a set amount of time
- Cooling-off periods - temporarily restrict your account for a set number of days if you need a break
- Self-exclusion - close your account for a longer period if you feel you need more significant time away
These tools are there to be used. Setting deposit or loss limits at the start of the tournament is a straightforward way to make sure your betting stays within the budget you've set for yourself, without having to rely on willpower alone.
Know the Signs That Gambling Might Be a Problem
For most people, betting on football is a harmless bit of fun. But it's worth knowing the signs that gambling might be becoming a problem, for yourself or someone you know. These can include betting more than you can afford to lose, finding it hard to stop once you've started, gambling to escape stress or difficult feelings, hiding your gambling from friends or family, or feeling anxious or irritable when you're not able to bet.
If any of those sound familiar, it's worth reaching out for support sooner rather than later. Problem gambling is more common than many people realise, and help is available.
Where to Get Help
If you're concerned about your own gambling or that of someone close to you, free and confidential support is available through the following organisations:
- BeGambleAware - free information, advice and a 24-hour National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133
- GamCare - free counselling, support and a helpline for anyone affected by gambling harm, including family and friends
- GamStop - free self-exclusion scheme that restricts your online gambling across all UK-licensed operators in one step
18+ only. Please gamble responsibly.
