Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland both hit doubles on matchday one
Senegal have lost their last three World Cup games against European teams
Both teams have scored in seven of Norway's last eight games and in three of Senegal's previous four
The presence of two-time winners France alongside a Norway side boasting Erling Haaland and Senegal, the second-highest African nation in the FIFA rankings, ensured Group I was pinpointed as one of the toughest at the 2026 World Cup before a ball was kicked.
Convincing opening wins for France and Norway have put them in a strong position to progress, and the European nations enter this round of games knowing victories over Iraq and Senegal respectively will assure them of the top two places before they meet in Foxborough on June 26.
Here we assess the second round of Group I games and pick out the best bets.
Best Bets
France vs Iraq (Monday, 10pm)
France took a while to find their stride against Senegal but eventually ran out 3-1 winners as Kylian Mbappe set a new benchmark for scoring with his 57th and 58th goals for Les Bleus.
Taking care of business in what was a tricky starter has opened the way for Didier Deschamps' side to make smooth progress into the knockouts.
Victory over Iraq would make it four straight World Cups in which France have started with back-to-back wins and it would be a brave punter who goes against that outcome.
Iraq were plucky for half an hour against Norway, but became tired in the second half and it could have been worse than 4-1.
France have attacking firepower to cause them massive problems. Mbappe may add to his tally, but Michael Olise is a decent alternative in the anytime scorer market.
He scored 22 goals for Bayern Munich in the 2025-26 season and landed a hat-trick for France in the warm-up win over Northern Ireland.
He had two shots against Senegal, both on targetand was a real handful and he may net his first World Cup goal in a game France should dominate.
Score prediction: France 4-0 Iraq
The latest France vs Iraq odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Norway vs Senegal (Tuesday, 1am)
With France expected to take care of Iraq, Norway should run out in New Jersey knowing victory will lock down a top two finish.
It was not a perfect performance from them in their opener, with skipper Martin Odegaard getting some criticism from the press at home, but they did more than enough to win.
Senegal blunted France for a long time but ran out of puff after Mbappe broke their resolve – now they have to worry about Haaland.
Goals have followed Norway – they averaged more than 4.5 per game in qualifying – but have achieved just one clean sheet in their last eight outings.
Senegal may get on the scoresheet, but they have lost their last three World Cup games against European opposition and this Norway side has the firepower to extend that run.
Score prediction: Norway 3-1 Senegal
The latest Norway vs Senegal odds are available on LiveScore Bet
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