World Cup
World Cup 2026 Betting Tips: Groups G–L: Matchday 1 Predictions
by Jolayemi Jones
15 Jun 2026
The first matches of the 2026 World Cup are in the books, and the action has been electric. From June 15-17, matchday 1 continues across Groups G through L.
We have broken down all 12 opening games across these four groups and assembled sharp betting predictions that blend current form, historical tournament trends, and tactical insight. What you will find are actionable betting tips spanning multiple markets and serious online betting opportunities for profit.
Accumulator
● Total Odds: 266.08
● Bet Code: 1512V8
● Betting Stake: ₦5,000
● Acca Bonus: ₦₦399,124.69
● Potential Returns: ₦1,729,540.31
The first matches of the 2026 World Cup are in the books, and the action has been electric. From June 15-17, matchday 1 continues across Groups G through L.
We have broken down all 12 opening games across these four groups and assembled sharp betting predictions that blend current form, historical tournament trends, and tactical insight. What you will find are actionable betting tips spanning multiple markets and serious online betting opportunities for profit.
Accumulator
● Total Odds: 266.08
● Bet Code: 1512V8
● Betting Stake: ₦5,000
● Acca Bonus: ₦₦399,124.69
● Potential Returns: ₦1,729,540.31
MATCHDAY 1: MONDAY, JUNE 15
Match to watch out for: Belgium vs Egypt. Kevin De Bruyne vs Mo Salah have both lit up the Manchester vs Liverpool fixture in recent years. Despite moving on, expect them both to try their hardest to will Belgium and Egypt to victory.
Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay — Group H
Saudi Arabia return to the World Cup hoping to replicate the magic of their last campaign. Four years ago in Qatar, they stunned eventual champions Argentina on Matchday One in what became the group stage's signature upset. They ultimately failed to progress, but that result proved their capacity to shock favourites.
Uruguay carry a rich World Cup history, including the very first title in 1930. This squad, however, appears to be their weakest in decades. When these teams met in 2018 with a much stronger Uruguayan squad, they could only scrape a nervous 1-0 win. Since then, Uruguay have gone five friendlies without a victory, including a 5-1 beating by the United States. Saudi Arabia's form is similarly poor, but if any match in this round calls for backing the underdog, this is the one.
Expert Tip: Saudi Arabia to score a goal.
Spain vs Cape Verde — Group H
Spain are not just group favourites but overall favourites to win the World Cup. Facing debutants Cape Verde, the European champions should dominate. At the last tournament, they opened with a 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica, and many expect something similar here.
Still, the newcomers deserve respect. They qualified ahead of Cameroon and recently beat Serbia 3-0. Despite the massive quality gap, Cape Verde can cause problems. That said, Spain's patient possession and intricate passing will likely be too much for them.
This is our banker bet. Spain are unbeaten since 2024 and Cape Verde's defence is unlikely to hold up under sustained pressure.
Expert Tip: Spain lead at halftime and win at fulltime.
Iran vs New Zealand — Group G
New Zealand stormed through OFC qualifying with 29 goals scored and only one conceded, but the World Cup finals are a different test. Regional weakness has often hurt them in intercontinental playoffs. This time, the expanded tournament allowed them to skip that step for only their third finals appearance. In 2010, they drew all three games and went unbeaten, yet they are still chasing a first ever World Cup victory.
Iran have more pedigree on this stage, having appeared at the last three tournaments with two wins and two draws from nine matches. They have never advanced past the group stage, but the expanded format gives them genuine hope.
Expert Tip: Iran to win.
Belgium vs Egypt — Group G
Belgium's golden generation is mostly a memory now, but De Bruyne, Courtois, and Lukaku are still around, possibly heading into their last World Cup. Their previous campaign ended in humiliation with a group stage exit, largely engineered by Morocco. Now they face another North African side and will want quick redemption.
Egypt are making just their fourth World Cup appearance and have yet to win a match. That record is striking given their AFCON dominance, where they hold the title for most trophies. On football's biggest stage, they have continued to fall short, though belief is high that this group can finally deliver. Egypt typically defend deep, soak up pressure, and strike on the counter. Expect that approach again.
Expert Tip: A tight game with a lot of corners for Belgium.
MATCHDAY 1: TUESDAY, JUNE 16
Match to watch out for: France vs Senegal as Les Blues hope to avenge 2002's elimination at the hands of the Teranga Lions.
France vs Senegal — Group I
France have appeared in back-to-back World Cup finals, lifting the trophy in 2018 and falling on penalties in 2022. They enter this tournament as joint World Cup favourites 2026 with Spain, once again fielding a squad that most nations would envy.
The last time Senegal faced France at a World Cup was the opening match of 2002. The Senegalese were debutants, France were overwhelming favourites, and the result was a historic 1-0 upset. Now far more experienced, this Senegal side is widely considered Africa's most talented and can cause France problems.
Expert Tip: Over 2.5 Goals.
Iraq vs Norway — Group I
Norway have not featured at a World Cup since 1998, nor at any major tournament since Euro 2000. However, this current crop is breaking new ground, and Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard are desperate to make a lasting impression. They powered Norway through qualification by dismantling Italy to claim an automatic spot.
Iraq, meanwhile, endured the longest qualification campaign of any team, playing 21 matches in total. This marks only their second World Cup finals and their first since 1986, when they lost every group game. They should struggle in such a demanding group.
Expert Tip: Norway to win.
Argentina vs Algeria — Group J
Argentina are chasing history, aiming for a fourth straight tournament win after claiming a World Cup sandwiched between two Copa América titles. Skepticism surrounds Lionel Scaloni's loyalty to aging players from the last campaign, but Lionel Messi, nearly 39, still keeps them among the favourites. At the last World Cup, an opening loss to Saudi Arabia shockingly jolted them to life.
Algeria are making their first World Cup since 2014. They reached the AFCON quarterfinals six months ago before running into a dominant Nigeria side, but a 4-0 friendly thrashing of Bolivia suggests they are ready to make a statement. What better stage than the opening game against the champions?
Expert Tip: Argentina to go two goals ahead.
Austria vs Jordan — Group J
Austria are back at the World Cup for the first time since 1998, a campaign that yielded two draws and one loss. That generation is long gone, but this current side is formidable and ready to leave its own mark on the tournament.
Jordan, on their part, continues to impress as a rising force in Asian football. The tournament debutants reached the AFC Asian Cup final in 2023 and keeps breaking new ground. They have already shown they can trouble more heralded teams on their own continent. Whether they can replicate that on the global stage remains to be seen, but their upward trajectory suggests they will not be overawed by the occasion.
Expert Tip: Both teams to score.
MATCHDAY 1: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17
Match to watch out for: England vs Croatia. Can Sir Harry Kane lead England to a long-elusive World Cup victory?
Ghana vs Panama — Group L
Ghana are a difficult team to read heading into their fifth World Cup. They sacked coach Otto Addo months ago and have looked poor in friendlies, failing to win any of their last six dating back to 2025. They lost five before a recent draw with Wales stopped the slide. Ghana also missed the last AFCON and exited the group stage of the previous two editions, just as they did at the 2022 World Cup. The only positive is new coach Carlos Queiroz, who carries a reputation for gritty tournament performances despite a slow start.
Panama debuted in 2018 with three losses and 11 goals conceded. They return for a second time hoping to improve and look stronger than before. However, a 6-2 friendly defeat to Brazil does not inspire much confidence.
Expert Tip: Ghana to avoid defeat.
England vs Croatia — Group L
Since losing the 2018 World Cup semifinal to Croatia, England have gone three games without defeat against them, winning twice. England arrive as one of the favourites, with expectations soaring after recent deep tournament runs. Thomas Tuchel faces pressure to deliver glory following his controversial squad selections.
Croatia have become World Cup specialists. A runner-up finish in 2018 was followed by a semifinal appearance in 2022, which included knocking out Brazil in the quarterfinals. They return once again unfancied and flying under the radar, yet fully capable of another deep run.
Expert Tip: England to lead at halftime.
Portugal vs DR Congo — Group K
Portugal look formidable heading into this World Cup as Nations League champions, with their strongest squad since 2006’s semi finalists. Cristiano Ronaldo returns for what is likely his final shot at glory, so there is extra motivation for them to claim glory.
DR Congo, by contrast, are back after 52 years with something to prove. They knocked out Nigeria in qualifying and beat Jamaica in the playoffs, and they will rely on defensive organisation, counterattacks, and physicality to trouble Portugal. Their 1974 campaign was a nightmare under government threats, ending with three losses, 14 goals conceded, and none scored. This time, they are desperate to rewrite that painful chapter.
Expert Tip: Portugal to win.
Uzbekistan vs Colombia — Group K
Tournament debutants Uzbekistan are not expected to do much at their first World Cup. Their only player from a top five league is Manchester City's Abdukodir Khusanov, and they lost recent friendlies to Canada and the Netherlands despite competing well.
Colombia brings vast World Cup experience and reached the quarterfinals in 2014. The Copa America runners‑up from 2024 are driven by veteran James Rodríguez, the hero of that 2014 run, who is likely playing his final World Cup.
Colombia have won six of their last nine matches across the past two tournaments and have historically handled teams of Uzbekistan's level with ease.
Expert Tip: Colombia to win.
MATCHDAY 1: MONDAY, JUNE 15
Match to watch out for: Belgium vs Egypt. Kevin De Bruyne vs Mo Salah have both lit up the Manchester vs Liverpool fixture in recent years. Despite moving on, expect them both to try their hardest to will Belgium and Egypt to victory.
Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay — Group H
Saudi Arabia return to the World Cup hoping to replicate the magic of their last campaign. Four years ago in Qatar, they stunned eventual champions Argentina on Matchday One in what became the group stage's signature upset. They ultimately failed to progress, but that result proved their capacity to shock favourites.
Uruguay carry a rich World Cup history, including the very first title in 1930. This squad, however, appears to be their weakest in decades. When these teams met in 2018 with a much stronger Uruguayan squad, they could only scrape a nervous 1-0 win. Since then, Uruguay have gone five friendlies without a victory, including a 5-1 beating by the United States. Saudi Arabia's form is similarly poor, but if any match in this round calls for backing the underdog, this is the one.
Expert Tip: Saudi Arabia to score a goal.
Spain vs Cape Verde — Group H
Spain are not just group favourites but overall favourites to win the World Cup. Facing debutants Cape Verde, the European champions should dominate. At the last tournament, they opened with a 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica, and many expect something similar here.
Still, the newcomers deserve respect. They qualified ahead of Cameroon and recently beat Serbia 3-0. Despite the massive quality gap, Cape Verde can cause problems. That said, Spain's patient possession and intricate passing will likely be too much for them.
This is our banker bet. Spain are unbeaten since 2024 and Cape Verde's defence is unlikely to hold up under sustained pressure.
Expert Tip: Spain lead at halftime and win at fulltime.
Iran vs New Zealand — Group G
New Zealand stormed through OFC qualifying with 29 goals scored and only one conceded, but the World Cup finals are a different test. Regional weakness has often hurt them in intercontinental playoffs. This time, the expanded tournament allowed them to skip that step for only their third finals appearance. In 2010, they drew all three games and went unbeaten, yet they are still chasing a first ever World Cup victory.
Iran have more pedigree on this stage, having appeared at the last three tournaments with two wins and two draws from nine matches. They have never advanced past the group stage, but the expanded format gives them genuine hope.
Expert Tip: Iran to win.
Belgium vs Egypt — Group G
Belgium's golden generation is mostly a memory now, but De Bruyne, Courtois, and Lukaku are still around, possibly heading into their last World Cup. Their previous campaign ended in humiliation with a group stage exit, largely engineered by Morocco. Now they face another North African side and will want quick redemption.
Egypt are making just their fourth World Cup appearance and have yet to win a match. That record is striking given their AFCON dominance, where they hold the title for most trophies. On football's biggest stage, they have continued to fall short, though belief is high that this group can finally deliver. Egypt typically defend deep, soak up pressure, and strike on the counter. Expect that approach again.
Expert Tip: A tight game with a lot of corners for Belgium.
MATCHDAY 1: TUESDAY, JUNE 16
Match to watch out for: France vs Senegal as Les Blues hope to avenge 2002's elimination at the hands of the Teranga Lions.
France vs Senegal — Group I
France have appeared in back-to-back World Cup finals, lifting the trophy in 2018 and falling on penalties in 2022. They enter this tournament as joint World Cup favourites 2026 with Spain, once again fielding a squad that most nations would envy.
The last time Senegal faced France at a World Cup was the opening match of 2002. The Senegalese were debutants, France were overwhelming favourites, and the result was a historic 1-0 upset. Now far more experienced, this Senegal side is widely considered Africa's most talented and can cause France problems.
Expert Tip: Over 2.5 Goals.
Iraq vs Norway — Group I
Norway have not featured at a World Cup since 1998, nor at any major tournament since Euro 2000. However, this current crop is breaking new ground, and Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard are desperate to make a lasting impression. They powered Norway through qualification by dismantling Italy to claim an automatic spot.
Iraq, meanwhile, endured the longest qualification campaign of any team, playing 21 matches in total. This marks only their second World Cup finals and their first since 1986, when they lost every group game. They should struggle in such a demanding group.
Expert Tip: Norway to win.
Argentina vs Algeria — Group J
Argentina are chasing history, aiming for a fourth straight tournament win after claiming a World Cup sandwiched between two Copa América titles. Skepticism surrounds Lionel Scaloni's loyalty to aging players from the last campaign, but Lionel Messi, nearly 39, still keeps them among the favourites. At the last World Cup, an opening loss to Saudi Arabia shockingly jolted them to life.
Algeria are making their first World Cup since 2014. They reached the AFCON quarterfinals six months ago before running into a dominant Nigeria side, but a 4-0 friendly thrashing of Bolivia suggests they are ready to make a statement. What better stage than the opening game against the champions?
Expert Tip: Argentina to go two goals ahead.
Austria vs Jordan — Group J
Austria are back at the World Cup for the first time since 1998, a campaign that yielded two draws and one loss. That generation is long gone, but this current side is formidable and ready to leave its own mark on the tournament.
Jordan, on their part, continues to impress as a rising force in Asian football. The tournament debutants reached the AFC Asian Cup final in 2023 and keeps breaking new ground. They have already shown they can trouble more heralded teams on their own continent. Whether they can replicate that on the global stage remains to be seen, but their upward trajectory suggests they will not be overawed by the occasion.
Expert Tip: Both teams to score.
MATCHDAY 1: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17
Match to watch out for: England vs Croatia. Can Sir Harry Kane lead England to a long-elusive World Cup victory?
Ghana vs Panama — Group L
Ghana are a difficult team to read heading into their fifth World Cup. They sacked coach Otto Addo months ago and have looked poor in friendlies, failing to win any of their last six dating back to 2025. They lost five before a recent draw with Wales stopped the slide. Ghana also missed the last AFCON and exited the group stage of the previous two editions, just as they did at the 2022 World Cup. The only positive is new coach Carlos Queiroz, who carries a reputation for gritty tournament performances despite a slow start.
Panama debuted in 2018 with three losses and 11 goals conceded. They return for a second time hoping to improve and look stronger than before. However, a 6-2 friendly defeat to Brazil does not inspire much confidence.
Expert Tip: Ghana to avoid defeat.
England vs Croatia — Group L
Since losing the 2018 World Cup semifinal to Croatia, England have gone three games without defeat against them, winning twice. England arrive as one of the favourites, with expectations soaring after recent deep tournament runs. Thomas Tuchel faces pressure to deliver glory following his controversial squad selections.
Croatia have become World Cup specialists. A runner-up finish in 2018 was followed by a semifinal appearance in 2022, which included knocking out Brazil in the quarterfinals. They return once again unfancied and flying under the radar, yet fully capable of another deep run.
Expert Tip: England to lead at halftime.
Portugal vs DR Congo — Group K
Portugal look formidable heading into this World Cup as Nations League champions, with their strongest squad since 2006’s semi finalists. Cristiano Ronaldo returns for what is likely his final shot at glory, so there is extra motivation for them to claim glory.
DR Congo, by contrast, are back after 52 years with something to prove. They knocked out Nigeria in qualifying and beat Jamaica in the playoffs, and they will rely on defensive organisation, counterattacks, and physicality to trouble Portugal. Their 1974 campaign was a nightmare under government threats, ending with three losses, 14 goals conceded, and none scored. This time, they are desperate to rewrite that painful chapter.
Expert Tip: Portugal to win.
Uzbekistan vs Colombia — Group K
Tournament debutants Uzbekistan are not expected to do much at their first World Cup. Their only player from a top five league is Manchester City's Abdukodir Khusanov, and they lost recent friendlies to Canada and the Netherlands despite competing well.
Colombia brings vast World Cup experience and reached the quarterfinals in 2014. The Copa America runners‑up from 2024 are driven by veteran James Rodríguez, the hero of that 2014 run, who is likely playing his final World Cup.
Colombia have won six of their last nine matches across the past two tournaments and have historically handled teams of Uzbekistan's level with ease.
Expert Tip: Colombia to win.