France are unbeaten in their last nine competitive internationals
Senegal are aiming to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for the third time
Iraq have lost all five of their previous matches at the World Cup
France and Norway are level at the top of Group I with six points apiece and have both sealed progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup.
The clash between the pair is the group decider, with a draw sufficing for France to top the group due to their superior goal difference.
Winless Senegal and Iraq face off in the other Group I fixture, with both teams knowing only a win will suffice and even then they could face a nervous wait to see if they have secured a spot as one of the best third-placed teams.
Iraq, with a -6 goal difference, would need a huge swing for that to happen. Senegal are currently on -3, and a win plus an improvement on their goal difference could be key.
Here we look at the third and final round of Group I matches and pick out the best bets.
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Best Bets:
France to win and both teams to score @ 19/10
Norway vs France (Friday, 8pm)
Norway have made an excellent impression on Group I, following up a 4-1 victory over Iraq with an impressive 3-2 win against Senegal. Erling Haaland has scored four goals in two matches, as the Scandinavians have emerged as one of the most entertaining teams in the tournament.
France have looked ominously strong through their opening two fixtures, brushing aside Senegal 3-1 before cruising to a 3-0 victory over Iraq. Didier Deschamps' side have already scored six goals, and there is a feeling they are only just getting started.
Norway deserve huge credit for their positive approach, but that front-foot style carries risks. They have conceded in both group matches and their adventurous full-backs leave space in behind, something France are perfectly equipped to exploit.
Kylian Mbappe has begun the tournament in sensational form with four goals in two games, while Michael Olise has been one of the standout players at the World Cup so far. Add in the pace of Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola and it is easy to see why Les Bleus are among the favourites to go all the way.
Norway possess enough attacking talent to make this competitive. Haaland remains a constant threat and France have not always looked completely watertight defensively.
Both teams have scored in eight of Norway's last nine matches and that trend could continue at Boston Stadium. However, France should have enough quality to maintain their winning start.
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Senegal vs Iraq (Friday, 8pm)
Senegal have shown enough in their opening two matches to suggest they are capable of making a deep run in this tournament, even if defeats to France and Norway have left them facing an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages.
The Lions of Teranga have found the net three times against two strong teams and now get the chance to take on an Iraq side who have conceded seven goals in their opening two fixtures.
Iraq deserve credit for their commitment and attacking intent. They scored against Norway and created opportunities against France, but that adventurous approach has also exposed major defensive weaknesses. Costly mistakes in possession have been punished repeatedly and they can ill-afford similar lapses against Senegal's talented forward line.
Ismaila Sarr has been one of the standout performers in the group, scoring twice against Norway, while Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson have also shown flashes of their quality despite the defeats.
Only a victory will do for either side, but Senegal look far better equipped to handle the pressure. The gulf in quality between the squads is significant and Iraq's defensive vulnerabilities are likely to be exposed once again.
With qualification potentially coming down to goal difference among the third-placed teams, Senegal have every incentive to keep pushing for goals and they can secure a comfortable victory.
Follow every World Cup 2026 score with LiveScore including Senegal vs Iraq.
Best Bets:
France to win and both teams to score @ 19/10
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