Group I features beaten 2022 finalists France, along with Africa Cup of Nations finalists Senegal, a highly-rated Norway team and Iraq
New Jersey hosts a repeat of the opening game from 2002, when Senegal upset then-holders France
Iraq’s second-ever World Cup appearance starts against Norway in Boston
France begin their bid to make a third straight World Cup final against Senegal in New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
The pair met in the tournament opener in 2002, and Senegal upset the then-holders, with France exiting at the group stage.
Norway’s first taste of tournament football since Euro 2000 sees them meet Iraq in Boston.
Best Bets:
Both teams to score in France vs Senegal at 1/1
France vs Senegal
Didier Deschamps is managing his final international tournament before stepping down as France boss, and he’s aiming to lean into their embarrassment of riches in attack.
While they’ve been a dour watch at previous tournaments, they now look stronger than ever going forward, but there are some gaps behind their stellar attack.
France have conceded in five straight games, failing to keep out Azerbaijan, Colombia, and Northern Ireland in that run. They also fell to a 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast, so a Senegal side that can claim to be the strongest side in Africa should be confident of netting.
Senegal had the African title taken off them earlier this year, but their quality was on full display on their way to the final. They’ll be desperate to make an impression on the world stage, and this French side look set to give away some chances at MetLife Stadium.
Score prediction: France 1-1 Senegal
The latest France vs Senegal odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Iraq vs Norway
Norway were faultless in qualifying, winning all eight games and scoring 37 goals. They were able to win six of those eight matches by a three-goal margin or greater, with their ability to break down sides that sat deep finally ending a 26-year wait for a place at a major tournament.
Iraq should hope to take advantage of the fact that Norway have conceded in six of their last seven matches. However, they’ll struggle to keep Erling Haaland and co. quiet.
Norway made a point of boosting their goal difference as they battled with Italy for top spot in qualifying. Given how tight Group I appears to be, they should take a similar approach in their opening match.
Iraq made it to the tournament after an arduous journey, which saw them play in three rounds of AFC qualifying and the intercontinental playoff.
Making it this far has been a huge achievement for the squad, but they should be no match for Norway and their stellar attacking talents.
Score prediction: Iraq 1-5 Norway
The latest Iraq vs Norway odds are available on LiveScore Bet
