Group I World Cup Odds & Betting Guide for 2026: Get the Latest Analysis and Updates
Many bettors are looking to find the best World Cup Group I odds. According to the bookmakers, France are the clear favorites.
However, Norway and Senegal are no slouches, and both have the potential to shock France this summer. Iraq complete the line up, who have been drawn in a highly competitive group.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at Group I, betting odds and provide our thoughts on who will secure top spot. We’ll also highlight top sportsbooks, social betting platforms and prediction markets.
A closer look at World Cup Group I teams
Alongside Spain, France are one of the favorites to go all the way this summer. Didier Deschamps has a squad stacked with talent, but whether they can deliver as a unit is yet to be seen. If they don't, expect both Norway and Senegal to prove competitive, while Iraq will take confidence from their recent 1-1 draw against Spain.
| Group Winner | Odds |
| France | -250 |
| Norway | +275 |
| Senegal | +700 |
| Iraq | +5000 |
Odds taken at BetMGM at 11:45 on 9 June.
France: -250
France is without a doubt the strongest team which is reflected in their World Cup Group I odds. Deschamps' team is number 1 on the FIFA ranking, and after beating Brazil and Colombia in recent friendlies, there's no surprise to see them well supported. France won the World Cup in 2018 and were the runners-up in 2022, clearly no strangers to the big occasions.
Kylian Mbappe will be leading the offense, and we know that the Real Madrid forward is world class. In fact, he scored five goals during the qualifying campaign, including two of the goals against Ukraine.
Throw in Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Desire Doue, France's devastating attack can blow this group apart.
Norway: +275
Norway, ranked 31st in the FIFA rankings, and is expected to give France a tough time for the top spot in Group I.
While the team has not featured in the World Cup since 1998, they are still a worthy contender, who have grown in recent years and have a capable squad that can go far in the tournament.
This has been made evident from their qualifying campaign, where they won all eight of their games. The final game against Italy, played at San Siro, ended in a 4-1 victory.
Of course, Erling Haaland will be spearheading the team. He is their key player, especially when you consider the fact he scored 16 goals during the qualifying campaign, surpassing anyone in the group. With support from other capable hands like recent Premier League winner Martin Odegaard and Alexander Sorloth, Norway could certainly give France a run for their money at +275.
Senegal: +700
Senegal is no stranger to the World Cup having qualified for the tournament three times in 2002, 2018, and 2022. This team is likely to be a threat to France, considering that the last time they crossed paths in 2002, they knocked them out of the tournament.
The team secured a spot in the World Cup after a 4-0 victory against Mauritania in the final game. Sadio Mane led the offense here, scoring 5 goals out of the 22 goals in the campaign.
Their performance at the Africa Cup of Nations was also worth noting, as they reached the final and beat Morocco 1-0. While the decision was later overturned due to a late penalty protest, the team might be a threat if it maintains the same momentum it did during the Africa Cup of Nations. It is currently ranked 14th in the FIFA rankings, which is decent.
Iraq: +5000
Iraq is the underdog in Group I and will most likely be the first to be knocked out. They occupy 57th in the FIFA ranking, and this is only the second time they've ever appeared in the World Cup.
Iraq was the 48th team to qualify for the World Cup after defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the first ever Intercontinental play-offs - but have been punished with a really tough group. They are a physical side, and Iraq will look to make it as uncomfortable as possible for their three opponents.
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Pros and cons of choosing sportsbooks with competitive Group I World Cup odds
When it comes to World Cup betting, even small differences in Group I odds between sportsbooks can be worth paying attention to if you’re trying to squeeze out extra value.
- Better potential returns on correct predictions
- Access to a good range of promotions during the World Cup
- Great variety of World Cup betting markets
- Odds are not fixed and are subject to change
How are the winners determined in the World Cup Group I?
As with every other group in the FIFA World Cup, the two top teams advance to the knockout stage. Teams that don't make it will be eliminated, including Group I.
Teams are ranked based on points accrued, goals scored, goals conceded, and goal difference. This means every match a team plays is important, as one mistake could result in elimination from the tournament. On the bright side, the first 8 best teams that rank third will also make it to the next stage.
What are the options to make predictions on the World Cup group I?
If you're looking for a place to throw your hat in the ring for the World Cup Group I outright winner, you have three options to choose from depending on your location and preferred platform type. These include traditional real-money sportsbooks, social sportsbooks, and prediction markets.
As mentioned, the state you're in can heavily influence your choice, as state legislation is dynamic from state to state, especially when it comes to sports markets. We've put together a list of our recommended platforms for the upcoming World Cup, from the group stages through to the finals.
World Cup group I recommended sites: Quick Facts
| Site | Platform Type | Welcome Offer | Mobile App | States Availablity |
| DraftKings | Traditional sportsbook | Bet $5, Get $200 in bonus bets | iOS + Android | 27 U.S. states and Washington, D.C |
| Legendz | Social sportsbook | 500 Gold Coins + 3 Sweeps Coins | Mobile and desktop browser only | 37 U.S. states |
| Thrillzz | Social sportsbook | 3,000 Thrillzz Coins + 2 Thrillzz Sweeps | iOS + Android | 32 U.S. states and Washington, D.C |
| PlayBracco | Social sportsbook | 10,000 Bracco Coins + 5 Bracco Cash | iOS + Android | 40 U.S. states |
| Kalshi | Prediction market | $10 bonus after $10 in trades | iOS + Android | 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C (excl. NV for sports) |
| Polymarket | Prediction market | Deposit $20, Get $50 trading bonus | iOS + Android | 40 U.S. states |
Best Traditional Sportbooks to make bets on the World Cup group I
Traditional sportsbooks are fully licensed in the states where they operate, and they let you place real-money bets on match outcomes, goal scorers, group winners, and hundreds of other markets.
These are traditional bookmakers, so they display odds in the standard format and payouts reflect your stake. This is the most legit option for bettors looking to have a full range of markets if you are in a state where they can operate. Here is our recommended choice for world cup betting:
[top5-provider section=sport]
DraftKings
DraftKings covers more ground than just about anyone else right now. They're live in 27 states for sports betting, plus casino options in eligible states as well. They started as a daily fantasy site back in 2012, so they know their way around sports markets, and this is why they're our top choice for World Cup Group I bets.
DraftKings has all the major payment options covered, including PayPal, Venmo, Play+, regular cards, and bank transfers. Whatever you want to use works for both deposits and withdrawals, which saves the usual hassle of funding one way and waiting. New bettors can place their first $5 bet and get $200 in bonus bets right away, which are provided in $25 bonus bet tokens that can be used to diversify your World Cup wagers.
When it comes to customer support, they work around the clock with live chat, email, or you can request a callback if you'd rather talk. The app works on both iOS and Android and it's nothing crazy, just a simple, solid betting platform without any lag.
They've got the licenses to back up operations in each state, so you know that they are legit. If they're available where you are, they're worth considering as they're one of the largest names in sportsbooks in the US right now.
Top social sportsbooks for World Cup group I social picks
Social sportsbooks are next on our list, and they're perfect if you're located in a state where real-money gambling isn't allowed. They're much more widely available than traditional sportsbooks because they don't offer real-money gambling. Instead, they let you make social picks using Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins (or their brand equivalents), which you can redeem for prizes once you have met the minimum requirements.
These platforms offer optional Gold Coin packages if you want to top up your balance, and they usually come with a first-purchase bonus. These packages are completely optional, though, as social sportsbooks are free to play with no purchase necessary. Here are our recommended social sportsbooks for making picks on Group I through to the World Cup finals:
[top5-provider section=socialbetting]
Legendz
Legendz launched back in the middle of 2024 and they're available in most US states. Legendz is a hybrid platform that offers both a social casino and sportsbook. With the 2026 World Cup coming up, the social sportsbook allows players to make social picks using both Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. When you sign up to Legendz, they offer new social bettors 500 Gold Coins and 3 Sweeps Coins with no purchase required.
On top of the FIFA World Cup coverage, Legendz features 33+ sports, including football, basketball, ice hockey, tennis, and more. The sports coverage is great for social bettors who want to stick around after the tournaments, and Legendz also gives these returning players plenty of ways to get extra GC and SC with daily bonuses, referral bonuses, and even 3 Sweeps Coins for sending in an AMOE mail-in request.
Legendz is an all-around great choice for social bettors who want a social sportsbook and casino rolled into one for their World Cup social picks. You can follow the banners on this page if you'd like to claim your welcome bonus after signing up.
Thrillzz
Thrillzz operates in 32 states plus D.C. and runs as a mobile-first platform, with the social sportsbook and casino app available for download on both iOS and Android. You can sign up through the app and get yourself 3,000 Thrillzz Coins and 2 Thrillzz Sweeps automatically, no code required. This will give you a nice starting point for all of your Group I social picks for the World Cup.
For ongoing bonuses at Thrillzz, they offer a huge variety of ways to get yourself additional Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins with daily login bonuses, mail-in requests, social media giveaways, and a VIP tier system. After the World Cup finishes, social bettors can enjoy their sports coverage of all major leagues, including the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, and international soccer leagues.
Thrillzz doesn't have live chat, but you can submit a ticket or email customer support, which usually gets back to you within 24 hours. Alternatively, you can reach one of their agents through their social media platforms. If you're looking for World Cup social picks on a social sportsbook and casino platform, then click on the banners to check Thrillzz out.
PlayBracco
PlayBracco is pretty new to the social sportsbook scene. The main thing worth knowing is availability, and the good news for most people is that they're live in 40 states for both their sportsbook and casino. If you're in a state where traditional online gambling isn't available, this gives you an alternative for World Cup social picks from the group stage through to the finals.
They've got apps for both iOS and Android, plus a mobile site if you don't want to download anything. When you sign up to PlayBracco, you can claim a welcome bonus of 10,000 Bracco Coins and 5 Bracco Cash with no purchase required. The social sportsbook side of the platform has great coverage considering it's such a fresh platform, with everything from football, basketball, baseball, soccer, boxing, MMA, hockey, tennis, and even niche markets like esports.
PlayBracco has customer support that runs 24/7 through live chat and email, which is helpful when you're playing at odd hours. PlayBracco is still building its reputation since it's new, but the current state availability and sports coverage make it a great choice if you'd like to check them out.
Best prediction markets to make trades on World Cup group I
Lastly on out list of platforms we have our reccomended prediction markets these sites are not sportsbooks at all in fact you are not betting on anything. Instead how these Prediction markets work is that they are CFTC-regulated exchanges where you buy and sell event contracts based on what you think will happen.
Instead of placing a bet at fixed odds, you're trading a contract, buying "Yes" or "No" on a given outcome at a market-set probability. If you're right, the contract pays out at $1. You can also sell your position at anytime before the event resolves. The way the prices are set is more like a stock market with the market influenced by other traders. The higher the price for an outcome is closer to $1 the more likely other traders believe thats how the contract will settle.
When it comes to prediction markets its always recommended to seek out CFTC-regulated sites to ensure everything is above board and these our our top choices:
Kalshi
Kalshi is a CFTC-regulated prediction market platform, which makes it different from your typical sportsbook. Tarek Mansour founded it in 2021, and you can use it in almost every US state. This platform is not just about World Cup predictions. You can trade event contracts on election results, Fed decisions, box office numbers, and that kind of thing.
The payment options cover most ways you can fund your account, such as bank transfers, Visa, Mastercard, and Apple Pay, but they also take Bitcoin and USD Coin for deposits and withdrawals. All of it works through Kalshi's dedicated apps on the App Store and Google Play. If you ever need assistance, they can be contacted through email, but we would recommend that you check out the help center first as it's the most extensive we've seen.
To get new users started, they have a trade $10, get $10 in bonus trades welcome bonus after you sign up, which is perfect if you want to trade event contracts on whether France will take out Group I or if Senegal will give them a run for the money again. If you want prediction markets beyond standard sports offerings, including the World Cup, Kalshi's filling a gap that didn't legally exist in the US until recently.
Polymarket
Polymarket is a decentralized prediction market where you predict real-world events using crypto. They launched in 2020 and run on a blockchain. After a short US hiatus to sort out regulations, they're back in time for the FIFA World Cup and available across 40 states plus D.C.
Using crypto isn't for everyone, but their FAQ section does a great job explaining the ropes. You can fund your account using bank transfers, Visa, Mastercard, Ethereum, or Polygon (MATIC). Just note that withdrawals go back through Ethereum or Polygon, so you'll need to know your way around crypto wallets.
The iOS app and mobile site run smoothly with no lag as market positions adjust, letting you trade on the fly. Polymarket covers everything from politics and finance to current events. For the 2026 World Cup, there are currently 38 markets available, including options like which continent will win or who will score more goals between Ronaldo and Messi. If you want to give it a try, follow the banners on this page to sign up.
Matches that could decide the Group I World Cup odds
Similar to the Group F World Cup odds, there are key games that could decide the remainder of the tournament. Here is a breakdown of the match schedule and how it could likely be a turning point in the tournament.
| Date | Match | Venue | Kick-off time ET | Details |
| Tuesday, June 16 | France vs Senegal | New York New Jersey Stadium | 3 PM | This will perhaps be the most difficult match in the group. While we expect France to win the game, it is going to be difficult considering Senegal's top-notch defense |
| Tuesday, June 16 | Iraq vs Norway | Boston Stadium (Foxborough) | 6 PM | Norway undoubtedly has more firepower than Iraq. This will be an easy way for the team to rack up points early in the tournament by defeating Iraq. |
| Monday, June 22 | France vs Iraq | Philadelphia Stadium | 5 PM | The Iraq team will most likely be dominated by France. They are miles apart, with France having the starpower that Iraq does not. |
| Monday, June 22 | Norway vs Senegal | New York New Jersey Stadium | 8 PM | Norway has a solid offense, but Senegal's defense is of strong quality. We see Norway taking the win, but with great difficulty. |
| Friday, June 26 | Senegal vs Iraq | Toronto Stadium | 3 PM | Senegal would most likely dominate the game against Iraq. The star power is unmatched, and with Senegal's solid defense, it's hard to see Iraq making much of a difference. |
| Friday, June 26 | Norway vs France | Boston Stadium (Foxborough) | 3 PM | This could be the most exciting matchup, pitting Kylian Mbappé against Haaland. While tough, France has a well-rounded team and will most likely come out on top. |
Where can you find the best World Cup Group I odds?
The fact remains that even if you make the correct predictions and back the right team during the upcoming games, you'll lose out if you choose a platform that offers poor World Cup group I odds, or the country odds like Argentina World Cup odds. This is why we recommend that you pick only a sportsbook from our list.
They've all been properly vetted to ensure they are licensed, easy to use, offer competitive WC odds, and cover a variety of World Cup markets. Even when you are done wagering on the Group I games, you'll also find solid Group H World Cup odds or Group J World Cup odds on our top platforms.
Conclusion: France is the favorite in the World Cup Group I
France is undoubtedly the favorite in World Cup Group I, given its well-rounded team, which features goal scorers like Kylian Mbappé. However, with contenders like Norway in the group as well, the French team will have to struggle a little to maintain the number 1 spot.
Senegal will also be a potential threat, considering its recent performance, and might surprise many in this event. Regardless of which team you choose to back, make sure you do your own research, as all we offer here are predictions. Once you are ready to begin, click any of our recommended sportsbooks and follow the prompts to register.
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