First round World Cup 2026 group stage matches featuring Groups I and J produced some memorable moments. In particular a few of the best footballers in the sport were at their best. After netting a hat trick Lionel Messi leads group favorite Argentina in a first place battle with Austria. Everyone is back at it for a slate of games on Monday, June 22.
France and Norway showed why they’re the favorites in Group I with each getting an outstanding individual performance from their top players in wins over Senegal and Iraq respectively. Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland each netted a brace in convincing wins for their side. Both countries are favored in their second match ahead of a likely showdown for the group title on June 26.
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World Cup 2026 Group Matches Today
If there were any questions about Lionel Messi and his fitness to play in a record sixth World Cup, they were answered emphatically. Messi scored all three Argentina goals in a clean sheet win over Algeria setting up a first place showdown with Austria in Group J. That match gets the June 22 schedule of games started.
Algeria and Jordan will be playing a regional match to stay out of last place in the group when they meet in the final game of the day at 11 p.m. ET at Levi’s Stadium. In their World Cup debut the Jordanians were defeated by Austria 3-1.
France and Norway are on a collision course for the Group I title but first they have to get past other opponents. France improved their World Cup betting odds of winning the group with a 3-1 win over Senegal and square off with Iraq in the second game of the day. Following his impressive World Cup debut, Haaland leads Norway against Senegal.
| Match | Time | Group | Stadium | Broadcast |
| Argentina vs. Austria | 1 p.m. ET | J | ATT Stadium, Arlington | FOX, Telemundo, Peacock |
| France vs. Iraq | 5 p.m. ET | I | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia | FOX, Telemundo, Peacock |
| Norway vs. Senegal | 8 p.m. ET | I | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford | FOX, Telemundo, Peacock |
| Jordan vs. Algeria | 11 p.m. ET | J | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara | FS1, Telemundo, Peacock |
Today’s World Cup Groups Odds
- Favorites to win their respective group, France and Argentina are heavy World Cup betting odds favorites to win their second match in group play. The other games feature much tighter lines.
- Following the results of their first group stage matches, France moved into the top spot on the World Cup title odds board ahead of Spain. France opened as a -1100 favorite to beat Iraq. In the battle for first place in Group J, Argentina surfaced as a -180 favorite against Austria (+500).
- According to oddsmakers the closest match of the day figures to be between Norway and Senegal. Norway opened as a plus-money favorite (+135) against a Senegal (+190) squad that’s winless in its last three matches.
- 3 way moneyline betting offers the “early payout” feature. This means if the team you backed leads by two or more goals at any point during regular time your bet or leg will be settled as a winner, regardless of the final result. All bets that have not triggered the early payout condition will be settled on the full time result.
Match 1 Prediction and Betting Preview
Argentina couldn’t have started the defense of their World Cup title any better. Their focus is advancing to the knockout stage and not winning every group match. That strategy proved successful in 2022 when the Argentines rebounded from an opening group loss to win the title. Messi was in fine form scoring a hat trick with another goal overturned by the VAR.
Austria made its return to the World Cup stage after 36 years a success, downing tournament first-timer Jordan in the opener. The game was much closer than the eventual 3-1 score would indicate, though. An own goal and a stoppage time marker by Marko Arnautovic were the difference. When it is on its game, Austria is capable of upsetting favored opponents and gets a chance in this matchup of unbeaten Group J squads.
Match 2 Prediction and Betting Preview
France is a massive World Cup betting odds favorite in this match and as long as they don’t overlook Iraq will move to the group stage finale unblemished. Boasting perhaps the deepest squad in the tournament, France can secure a berth in the Round of 32 with a win. Kylian Mbappe got the accolades in the opener with a brace and the attack was relentless with eight of their 11 shots on target.
It has to suck to be an Iraqi defender or goalie. After conceding two goals to Erling Haaland in the opening 4-1 loss to Norway, they get Mbappe and the pressure attack of France in this matchup. Iraq had spurts of offense leveling the match at 1-1 in the first half, but couldn’t sustain pressure or defend adequately.
Match 3 Prediction and Betting Preview
From a pure competitive standpoint the Group J match between Norway and Senegal will likely be the best match of the day. The second fixture will play a major role in determining which team advances to the knockout round and Senegal is the more desperate team after an opening loss. Senegal needs to patch its defense after breakdowns led to France goals and chances. They face another scoring machine in Haaland.
This is a tricky spot for Norway coming off an impressive 4-1 win over Iraq and with a match against France to complete the World Cup 2026 group stage schedule. Haaland and his mates dominated an overmatched Iraq but will likely have a more difficult time against the structure and physicality of a Senegal squad playing for its World Cup life.
Match 4 Prediction and Betting Preview
The Group J match between Algeria and Jordan doesn’t get the notoriety of the others, but this will be an intense regional tussle between teams looking to keep knockout stage hopes alive. Competing in a difficult pool, this is a match both teams feel they can win, which only adds to the intensity. Jordan played a strong game in its World Cup debut but the defensive line wilted late under constant Austria pressure.
Algeria spent more time trying to defend Messi and Argentina’s attack instead of playing their structured possession game. They failed at the former conceding three goals to Messi and generated little on offense with only one shot on target despite winning the possession battle.
Best World Cup Betting Angles for Today
France is a massive moneyline favorite and Argentina and Algeria have steep odds giving them no value on straight up wagers. Instead target alternative markets to increase the value.
Superstars Lionel Messi (3), Kylian Mbappe (2) and Erling Haaland (2) were player prop bet targets in the opening round of games and they delivered with a combined seven goals. There is no reason to change your betting strategy now.
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.
How Group Standings Affect Today’s Predictions
Widely predicted to reach the knockout stage, Senegal is now in a position where they need points, preferably three of them, after dropping their opener. They will play with a sense of urgency against a Norwegian squad that can counter quickly on failed attacks.
Third place and a potential berth in the Round of 32 is still open to Jordan and Algeria in Group J. Both teams need a win to keep their chances alive and being a regional battle will add to the emotion of the contest.
Daily World Cup Prediction Summary
France looked like the World Cup champion in its opening win and Argentina used the greatness of Messi to begin its title defense in spectacular fashion. The presence of Messi, Mbappe and Haaland on the pitch on the same day makes watching these groups a must, and those players are a major reason why the countries they play for are winning.
| Match` | Prediction | Betting Angle |
| Argentina vs. Austria | Both Teams To Score – YES (+100) | Messi and an eager-to-make-an-impact Austria give value to this wager |
| France vs. Iraq | Iraq ATS +2.5 (-105) | Iraq will use a defensive low block to limit attacks keeping the score down |
| Norway vs. Senegal | Erling Haaland Anytime Goal Scorer (+105) | The man is simply on fire |
| Jordan vs. Algeria | OVER 2.5 Goals (-105) | Desperation for a win leaves both teams vulnerable to scoring chances |
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Frequently Asked Questions
There are several elements used for World Cup predictions, including analysis of hard data, statistical input and environmental factors.
