BETTING GUIDE: France vs Senegal, Iraq vs Norway, 2026 FIFA World Cup Predictions
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Reading Time: 5min | Mon. 15.06.26. | 17:21
Favourites France and dark horses Norway begin their World Cup campaign, as we look at how their respective matches could go
France begins another FIFA World Cup campaign carrying the weight of expectation as one of the tournament favourites.
After winning the World Cup in 2018 and finishing runners-up in 2022, Les Bleus arrive in North America aiming to reach a third consecutive final.
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This tournament also marks the final World Cup for legendary coach Didier Deschamps, adding extra motivation for a squad packed with world-class talent.
Standing in their way are African heavyweights Senegal, who famously shocked France 1-0 in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup.
The Lions of Teranga have established themselves as one of Africa's strongest nations over the past decade and will believe they can trouble the French once again.
With Norway and Iraq in Group I, both teams know the importance of making a strong start to their qualification hopes.
Kick-off: 10:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Tuesday, 16 June 2026
Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
Group: Group I
Current standings: All teams yet to play (Matchday 1)
Qualification implications: A victory would provide a valuable early advantage in the race for the top two places in Group I.
France are expected to challenge for first place, while Senegal will view a positive result as crucial to their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
Form Guide
France
✅ Win vs Northern Ireland (3-1)
❌ Loss vs Ivory Coast (1-2)
✅ Win vs Colombia (3-1)
✅ Win vs Brazil (2-1)
✅ Win vs Azerbaijan (3-1)
Senegal
➖ Draw vs Saudi Arabia (0-0)
❌ Loss vs USA (2-3)
✅ Win vs Gambia (3-1)
✅ Win vs Peru (2-0)
✅ Win vs Morocco (1-0)
Head-to-Head
✅ Senegal 1-0 France (2002 World Cup)
Team News
France
🟢 William Saliba – Returned to full training after back concerns
🟢 Jules Kounde – Recovered from muscle strain
🟢 Mike Maignan – Available after load management
Senegal
🟡 Assane Diao – Minor contusion, expected to be available
🟡 Cherif Ndiaye – Fitness concern
🟡 Idrissa Gueye – Precautionary training management
🟢 Sadio Mane – Fully fit and available
Player to Watch: Kylian Mbappe (France)
Mbappe heads into the World Cup as France's main attacking threat, with 56 international goals and just one strike away from becoming his country's all-time leading scorer.
Having already scored 12 World Cup goals, the Real Madrid star will be key to France's hopes against Senegal and is expected to lead their powerful attack.
Player to Watch: Sadio Mane (Senegal)
Mane remains Senegal's biggest attacking threat, having scored 55 goals for his country.
After missing the 2022 World Cup through injury, the experienced forward returns eager to make an impact and will be crucial to Senegal's chances of challenging France with his pace, leadership and goal-scoring ability.
🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): France to Win
🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Over 2.5 Goals
🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): France to Win 3-1
Mozzart Sport Writers' Predictions:
• Imran Otieno- France Win
• Meshack Kisenge- Over 1.5
• Kevin Teya- France Win
• Sammy Gitahi- France Win and Over 1.5
• Brian Odhiambo- Senegal Win
• Victor Karuga- France Win
• Josh Angatia- France Win
Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling
BETTING GUIDE: Iraq vs Norway
Iraq return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years as they begin their Group I campaign against Norway.
The Lions of Mesopotamia endured a long and difficult qualification journey, eventually securing their place through the intercontinental playoffs. Now back on football's biggest stage, Iraq will be eager to make history by claiming their first-ever World Cup victory.
Norway, meanwhile, arrive in North America with plenty of confidence after a flawless qualification campaign that saw them win all eight of their matches, including victories over Italy.
Led by the star-studded duo of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, the Scandinavians are aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 1998.
With France and Senegal also in Group I, both teams know the importance of making a positive start.
Kick-off: 1:00 AM (Kenyan Time), Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Venue: Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium), Foxborough, USA
Group: Group I
Current standings: All teams yet to play (Matchday 1)
Qualification implications: A win would provide a crucial early boost in the race for the top two places in Group I.
Norway are expected to challenge for qualification alongside France, while Iraq need a positive result to strengthen their hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds.
Form Guide
Iraq
❌ Loss vs Venezuela (0-2)
➖ Draw vs Spain (1-1)
✅ Win vs Andorra (1-0)
✅ Win vs Bolivia (2-1)
❌ Loss vs Jordan (0-1)
Norway
➖ Draw vs Morocco (1-1)
✅ Win vs Sweden (3-1)
➖ Draw vs Switzerland (0-0)
❌ Loss vs Netherlands (1-2)
✅ Win vs Italy (4-1)
Head-to-Head
This will be the first-ever meeting between Iraq and Norway.
Team News
Iraq
🟢 Jalal Hassan – Expected to start after returning from absence
🟢 Zidane Iqbal – Available
🟢 Aymen Hussein – Available
Norway
🟢 Erling Haaland – Fully fit
🟢 Martin Odegaard – Fully fit
🟢 Kristoffer Ajer – Available
🟢 Antonio Nusa – Available
Player to Watch: Erling Haaland (Norway)
Haaland is Norway's biggest attacking threat after finishing as the top scorer in World Cup qualifying with 16 goals.
The Manchester City striker's pace, power and finishing make him one of the world's most dangerous forwards, and he will be crucial to Norway's hopes of starting their World Cup campaign with a win over Iraq.
Player to Watch: Jalal Hassan (Iraq)
Hassan will be crucial to Iraq's chances against Norway, with the experienced captain expected to lead the defence and face plenty of pressure from Erling Haaland and the Norwegian attack.
His leadership and shot-stopping ability could be key if Iraq are to earn a positive result.
🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): Norway to Win
🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Both Teams To Score – Yes
🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): Norway to Win 3-1
MozzartSport Writers' Predictions:
• Imran Otieno- Norway Win
• Meshack Kisenge- Norway Win
• Kevin Teya- Norway Win
• Sammy Gitahi- Norway Win
• Brian Odhiambo- Norway Win
• Victor Karuga- Norway Win
• Josh Angatia-Norway