World Cup 2026: Predictions for June 16 Group Stage

Some of the top teams in the world and a number of the best footballers take center stage on Tuesday, June 16 as countries from Groups I and J make their World Cup 2026 group stage debut. The last two World Cup champions and current group favorites Argentina and France get their tournament started with popular dark horse pick Norway taking on Iraq.

Competing in his final World Cup Lionel Messi leads defending champion Argentina into its Group J match with Algeria. Golden Boot favorite Kylian Mbappe looks for a few markers in France’s first Group I match with Senegal. History will be made as well with Jordan playing its first World Cup match.

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World Cup 2026 Group Matches Today

Back in the 2002 World Cup Senegal famously upset reigning champion France in the group stage opener. The countries reunite in the first match of the day at MetLife Stadium. France has been jockeying with Spain at the top of the World Cup futures board and boasts a roster with a number of players that helped win in 2018 and reach the final match in 2022.

A trendy dark horse pick due to the presence of Premier League goal scoring leader Erling Haaland and playmaker Martin Odegaard, Norway returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 as a huge World Cup betting favorite over Iraq in its Group I opener. 

Led by Lionel Messi, Argentina begins its World Cup title defense against Algeria in the Group J opener. The day concludes with a match between first-time World Cup participant Jordan and Austria.

Today’s World Cup Groups Odds

• France, Norway, Argentina and Austria are all heavy favorites in their opening matches. France is also favored to win Group I and is the second favorite behind Spain on the title odds. Norway and Senegal are imposing clubs that will keep the French on their toes.
• At around -500 Norway carries the shortest odds on the daily board for its match with Iraq. The top three countries are expected to duke it out with Iraq the odd team out. Winning the opener is big for Norway in its return to the World Cup in 28 years.
• With such high moneyline prices for the favorites it makes sense to target alternative markets or parlays to move the odds in your favor. Player props are also available with guys like Messi, Mbappe and Haaland roaming the pitch on June 16.

Prime is offering Same Game Parlays for soccer that gives bettors the option of combining multiple selections from one game into a single wager. The choices could include match result, totals, player props, and more.

Match 1 Prediction and Betting Preview

France enters the tournament along with Spain as an overall World Cup betting favorite. Group I has an impressive list of countries with Senegal being the best from Africa. France is deep with a relentless attack led by Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise. This is a good test for France out of the block.

Senegal possesses a physical presence aimed at shutting down opposing attacks. They are a battle tested group with tournament experience and won’t be rattled by the moment. Recent struggles in pre-World Cup friendlies have Senegal looking weaker than it actually is.

Match 2 Prediction and Betting Preview

Norway hasn’t played a World Cup match since 1998 but is a massive favorite against Iraq in its opener. Any hope of contending with France for first place in Group I starts with a win over Iraq, projected last in the pool. The premier striker in the world, Erling Haaland scored 16 goals in eight qualifying matches. 

A recent 1-1 draw with Spain in a friendly showed what Iraq is capable of. However, with little in the way of an attack and a backline that surrenders far too many quality scoring chances, it’s a matter of time before the Norwegians break through.

Match 3 Prediction and Betting Preview

Even without Messi Argentina would be heavily favored as it begins defense of its 2022 World Cup title facing Algeria. Messi confirmed he will play and enters the tournament in good health putting his club among the overall favorites to win a second straight World Cup. The core of the 2022 roster remains intact, joined by young talents like Franco Mastantuono.

Algeria boasts a complete squad capable of pulling off an upset in the World Cup 2026 group stage. Algeria has historically struggled to generate scoring chances against top-tier opponents and has to prove its pressing style can work. The squad relies heavily on the experience of Riyad Mahrez.

Match 4 Prediction and Betting Preview

One of four countries to make its World Cup debut in 2026, Jordan faces an uphill climb in its opening match with Austria. Not taking its opponent lightly is a key for Austria, which opened as a heavy -300 favorite. The Austrians have an abundance of high-end European experience and are positioned as the second favorite in Group J. That makes winning this match a priority.

Jordan will likely play not to lose since it doesn’t have the arsenal to keep up with a more talented Austria. Pack the back end and weather an early onslaught before trying to attack a downtrodden opponent. It only works if they don’t concede goals.

Best World Cup Betting Angles for Today

Norway is a huge moneyline favorite and France straight up on the moneyline comes with a lot of juice making alternative markets a better angle with more value.

With superstar players Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland all taking the field on June 16, player props are open for these goal scoring phenoms. Haaland, who led the Premier League in goals, is the top finisher in the sport and faces an Iraq squad with questions on the back end.

Prime is offering Same Game Parlays for soccer that gives bettors the option of combining multiple selections from one game into a single wager. The choices could include match results, totals, player props and more.

How Group Standings Affect Today’s Predictions

We won’t see how group standings affect match predictions until games are played. Two more groups play their first World Cup match on Monday and teams will have a better idea what adjustments need to be made ahead of their second World Cup group stage match.

Daily World Cup Prediction Summary

Though heavily favored, France faces a stiff test against a talented and physical Senegal squad. A scoreless draw with Saudi Arabia and a 3-2 loss to the United States in recent friendlies has Senegal looking less formidable than it actually is.

I’m anxious to see Norway and the dynamic duo of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. If those two don’t deliver consequential performances in the group stage, the Norwegians are done since the club relies heavily on them.

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