The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues on June 26 with Matchday 3 action for Groups G, H, and I. Today’s World Cup games feature a loaded slate as Norway takes on France, Senegal faces Iraq, Cabo Verde meets Saudi Arabia, Uruguay battles Spain, New Zealand squares off against Belgium, and Egypt clashes with Iran.
With places in the Round of 32, group winners, and final standings all on the line, every result in today’s World Cup games could have a major impact on the knockout bracket.
For bettors looking for today’s World Cup odds, predictions, and best bets, we’ve broken down every Group G, H, and I fixture to highlight the top wagering opportunities on the board.
Today’s World Cup 2026 Betting Analysis: Friday, June 26
Let’s take a closer look at the World Cup games for today, into the World Cup games for Friday, June 26, with odds from the top offshore sportsbooks available.
Norway vs. France
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Boston Stadium, USA
- Where to Watch: Fox
- Betting Odds: Norway (+397) / Draw (+362) / France (-162)
Norway and France enter this showdown with first place in Group G still up for grabs, setting the stage for one of the most entertaining matches of Matchday 3. Norway has impressed going forward throughout the group stage, while France continues to boast one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking squads. With Norway incentivized to push for all three points rather than settle for a draw, this projects as an open, end-to-end affair.
Given the attacking quality on both sides and what’s at stake, Both Teams to Score stands out as the best betting angle. Norway has shown it can create chances against quality opposition, while France rarely goes quiet in front of goal. Expect opportunities at both ends in a match that has all the ingredients of a high-scoring battle.
Senegal vs. Iraq
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Toronto Stadium, Canada
- Where to Watch: FS1
- Betting Odds: Senegal (-410) / Draw (+545) / Iraq (+1200)
Senegal enters its final Group H match needing a victory to keep its World Cup hopes alive, and it would ideally win by multiple goals to improve its goal differential. While the results haven’t gone its way so far, the Lions of Teranga have faced arguably the toughest draw in the group, opening against France and Norway. Their performances have been more competitive than the standings suggest, and they now get a favorable matchup with everything on the line.
Iraq has struggled to create consistent chances throughout the tournament and now faces a Senegal side that should be playing on the front foot from the opening whistle. Expect Senegal to press for goals rather than simply protect a narrow lead, making Senegal -1.5 the strongest betting angle.
With qualification potentially hinging on goal differential, this is the perfect opportunity for Senegal to put together a convincing win.
Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Houston Stadium, USA
- Where to Watch: Fox
- Betting Odds: Cabo Verde (+168) / Draw (+240) / Saudi Arabia (+172)
Cabo Verde enters its final Group I match in an excellent position, knowing a draw would likely be enough to reach the knockout stage, while a victory would guarantee its place in the Round of 32. The Blue Sharks have been one of the tournament’s surprise teams, earning impressive draws against both Spain and Uruguay to put themselves on the verge of qualification.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has struggled to match that level of consistency against top competition. Cabo Verde has looked more organized defensively and more dangerous on the counterattack throughout the group stage, giving it the edge heading into this decisive fixture.
With qualification within reach and stronger performances already on its résumé, Cabo Verde moneyline offers solid value to finish the job and book a spot in the knockout rounds.
Uruguay vs Spain
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Guadalajara, Mexico
- Where to Watch: FS1
- Betting Odds: Uruguay (+650) / Draw (+325) / Spain (-200)
Uruguay enters its final Group I match knowing a draw should be enough to secure a place in the knockout stage, while a victory would remove any doubt and guarantee qualification. Spain, meanwhile, still needs a point to lock up 1st in the group, so there’s plenty at stake here.
With so much at stake, this matchup has the potential to become one of the more entertaining games of the day. Uruguay has shown it can create chances against quality opposition, while Spain possesses the attacking talent to find the back of the net against anyone.
Instead of picking a side, Both Teams to Score stands out as the best value, as both nations should generate opportunities in a match that could open up as the stakes increase.
New Zealand vs Belgium
- Time: 11 p.m. ET
- Location: BC Place, Canada
- Where to Watch: FS1
- Betting Odds: New Zealand (+1500) / Draw (+680) / Belgium (-540)
New Zealand enters its final Group I match with a straightforward objective: win and keep its World Cup hopes alive. Belgium, meanwhile, is in a more comfortable position, as a draw would be enough to secure qualification for the knockout stage. That dynamic should create an interesting tactical battle, with New Zealand forced to push the tempo while Belgium can afford to be patient.
Despite being underdogs throughout the tournament, New Zealand has been a pesky opponent that has consistently competed well against stronger teams. If it can stay organized defensively and capitalize on its opportunities going forward, it has a good chance of keeping this match within reach.
Rather than laying the goals with Belgium, I’ll take New Zealand +1.5, expecting the Kiwis to battle until the final whistle with their tournament lives on the line.
Egypt vs Iran
- Time: 11 p.m. ET
- Location: Seattle Stadium, USA
- Where to Watch: Fox
- Betting Odds: Egypt (+148) / Draw (+165) / Iran (+300)
Iran enters its final Group I match in a strong position, as a draw would be enough to secure a place in the knockout stage. A victory, however, would remove any uncertainty and could even see Iran finish atop the group, depending on the other result. With so much still to play for, expect Iran to approach this rivalry match with plenty of intensity.
Egypt should provide a test, but Iran showed that they can be quite organized defensively in their draw vs. Belgium. With Egypt already clinching a place in the knockout round, this feels like a letdown spot, especially following a dramatic comeback win vs. New Zealand.
With that in mind, I love the value on Iran moneyline here.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Responsible Gaming
The World Cup is one of the biggest betting events of the year, but it’s important to approach every wager with discipline. Keeping your bankroll under control and making informed decisions can help ensure the tournament remains fun from start to finish.
Here are a few responsible betting guidelines to keep in mind:
- Set a spending limit before placing your first bet, and don’t exceed it regardless of the results.
- Never chase losses by increasing your wager size after an unsuccessful bet.
- Take time to evaluate each matchup by considering recent form, injuries, suspensions, tactical styles, and other key factors.
- Keep in mind that World Cup soccer is often unpredictable, and even the strongest favorites can be upset.
- Treat sports betting as a form of entertainment, not a dependable source of income.
If gambling starts to interfere with your finances, relationships, work, or overall well-being, stop betting and seek assistance. Confidential help is available through 1-800-GAMBLER and other responsible gaming resources.
Final Verdict: Bet on Japan to Win vs Sweden
Senegal -1.5 is the strongest bet on the board. While the Lions of Teranga have yet to pick up a win, they’ve faced arguably the toughest schedule in the group, taking on France and Norway in their first two matches. Now they enter the finale knowing three points are essential, and a multi-goal victory could be just as important with goal differential potentially deciding who advances to the knockout rounds.
That urgency should translate into an aggressive game plan from the opening whistle. Senegal has every incentive to keep attacking even if it grabs an early lead, while Iraq has struggled to generate consistent scoring chances throughout the tournament. With qualification hanging in the balance and goal difference likely on Senegal’s mind, expect the African side to push for a convincing result rather than simply settle for a narrow victory. Best Bet: Senegal -1.5.
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
