World Cup 2026: Groups G-L Preview
The latest World Cup betting odds suggest the winner is likely to come from Groups G to L, with Spain, England and defending champions Argentina all in the mix.
Belgium, France and Portugal also have eyes on the ultimate prize in world football – and that makes betting on outright World Cup odds particularly tricky!
This is the second half of the 2026 World Cup draw and there are some fiercely competitive groups here.
Below, BetMGM UK offers a detailed look at each group and the teams competing to reach the last-32. We can already spot a few upsets!
Group G
The Group G World Cup odds lean heavily on Belgium claiming maximum points. Yet it’s a real toss-up as to who finishes second and third. Even New Zealand will hope to spring a surprise here.
Belgium
Group Winner Odds: 33/100
Belgium are 12th favourites to win the World Cup this summer and, while lifting the trophy may seem farfetched, they can certainly top this group.
Boss Rudi Garcia has a strong squad with plenty of experience in Leandro Trossard, Youri Tielemans and Timothy Castagne. Jeremy Doku, meanwhile, is one to watch this summer.
Beat Egypt in their opening game and Belgium will be on course to win Group G. Lose and they should still qualify for the last-32, especially with Iran and New Zealand the opponents.
Egypt
Group Winner Odds: 11/2
Egypt sometimes descend into the Mo Salah show – as evidenced this winter when media headlines bemoaned Salah’s failure to win the Africa Cup of Nations.
But Egypt are more than one man. Omar Marmoush is gradually earning more plaudits, while Mostafa Mohamed and Trézéguet are both dangerous forwards.
And yet, Egypt are also fragile. Their AFCON semi-final exit to Senegal was tough to take, they drew with Angola, and needed extra time to get past Benin. No wonder their odds to win Group G are on par with Iran.
Iran
Group Winner Odds: 11/2
Iran have never escaped the group stage of a World Cup but this time are well placed to secure a best third-placed spot and reach the last-32. They are favourites to beat New Zealand in their opening match in California on June 16 (2am UK time), and three points will give them confidence ahead of two tougher games.
Iran reached the AFC Asian Cup semi-finals in 2023 and forward Mehdi Taremi remains their main man.
There's experience in this team – from Alireza Beiranvand in goal and defender Alireza Jahanbakhsh, through to midfielders Saman Ghoddos and Saeid Ezatolahi.
New Zealand
Group Winner Odds: 25/1
Let’s not write New Zealand off just yet. Granted, their odds to top Group G aren’t great, but their squad has quality in the form of Chris Wood, Callum McCowatt, Marko Stamenic and youngster Ben Old.
They found World Cup qualifying easy but results haven’t gone their way over the last 12 months as they’ve sought higher-quality friendly opposition. New Zealand are something of an unknown entity here – they could thrive or completely collapse in North America.
Key Match: Egypt vs Iran
Egypt vs Iran is the big game in Group G. These nations rarely meet but there’s some localised pride at stake here. The game on June 27 kicks off at 4am and could decide who finishes second, behind Belgium.
Group H
Group H World Cup betting is ideal for punters who just want certainty. The disparity in quality among the four teams is huge. Spain should win all three matches with relative ease, while Uruguay should finish ahead of third-placed Saudi Arabia. That leaves Cape Verde bottom of the pile. If you want low-odds bets with a fair level of predictability, Group H is the group for you.
Spain
Group Winner Odds: 1/7
Spain would need to endure a total squad meltdown for them not to finish top of Group H. Even the prospect of a showdown with Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay isn’t enough to dent their overwhelming 1/7 odds of winning Group H.
Boss Luis de la Fuente has a relatively easy start, with his team facing Cape Verde in Atlanta on June 15 (5pm), before facing Saudi five days later in the same stadium.
Uruguay
Group Winner Odds: 4/1
Uruguay are likely to blow hot and cold this summer – that’s just the way Marcelo Bielsa’s teams play. They have a good chance of stunning Spain in Mexico on June 27 (1am) but could equally lose heavily.
That’s the same when facing Saudi and Cape Verde. Uruguay’s form is erratic, which makes them fun to watch but impossible to bet on with any level of certainty.
Federico Valverde and Darwin Nunez are the men to watch.
Saudi Arabia
Group Winner Odds: 33/1
Saudi Arabia famously beat Argentina in the 2022 World Cup group stage but still failed to reach the knockouts. It’s likely they’ll fail again here, unless they can pinch a point off Uruguay or Spain.
Recent results have been somewhat erratic, with Arab Cup defeats against Algeria, Jordan and Morocco showing how far behind Saudi are compared to their neighbours. They might even struggle to beat Cape Verde.
Cape Verde Islands
Group Winner Odds: 50/1
An island of less than 500,000 people that boasts just 14 football grounds with a +1,000 capacity, Cape Verde weren’t meant to qualify for the World Cup. But they stunned Cameroon to top CAF Group D, while going undefeated across 2025.
Head coach Pedro Brito has put together a robust side capable of keeping clean sheets against Iran, Cameroon and Malaysia.
Granted, Cape Verde won’t win the World Cup but they’ll hope to rock Uruguay in their second group game on June 21 (11pm) before eyeing the scalp of Saudi.
Key Match: Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia
Uruguay vs Saudi should decide who finishes second in Group H. The South Americans start the game as favourites but their erratic gameplay under Bielsa means Saudi Arabia have a real chance of an upset in Miami on June 15 (11pm).
Group I
Whisper it quietly… France are as wide as 10/1 to win the 2026 World Cup. Les Bleus were finalists four years ago and won the thing in 2018, yet aren’t among the top four fancied nations this time around.
Group I World Cup betting isn’t all about France. There’s Erling Haaland’s Norway, African champions Senegal, and the intriguing prospect of one of Iraq, Bolivia, or Suriname competing.
France
Group Winner Odds: 1/2
France are priced at 1/2 to win Group I and their outright World Cup odds carry much more value. However, they’re not even guaranteed to top this group, given Norway and Senegal stand in their way.
France have a decent record against Norway but haven’t faced Haaland and Martin Odegard’s Landslaget. They also famously lost 1-0 to Senegal at the 2002 World Cup.
So, while Kylian Mbappe, Hugo Ekitike, N'Golo Kante, and Aurélien Tchouameni will steal the headlines, it may be worth backing off France until we know whether the hype is real or not. A comfortable win in their opening game against Senegal (June 16, 8pm) is first required before anyone starts seriously considering France’s World Cup odds.
Norway
Group Winner Odds: 11/4
Could Norway win the World Cup? With Erling Haaland, anything is possible. What’s more, manager Stale Solbakken is well-versed in pitching his team against “bigger” nations and rolling them over. Norway beat Italy 4-1 in Milan as recently as November.
Norway kick off their first World Cup campaign since 1998 with a showdown against Iraq, Bolivia or Suriname at Gillette Stadium on June 16 (11pm). Win that and they’ll have one foot in the last-32, with a clash against Senegal next. It’s eminently possible their last group game against France decides who tops Group I.
Senegal
Group Winner Odds: 6/1
Fresh from winning the Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal are ready to shake things up in Group I. This is arguably the Group of Death, with Senegal more than capable of tackling France in their opening match on June 16 (8pm), before a date with Norway six days later.
With Sadio Mane, Pape Gueye, Nicolas Jackson, Edouard Mendy and Idrissa Gueye all expected to shine, this is an excellent Senegal side travelling to North America.
Their odds of 6/1 to win Group I will drop significantly if they can secure a point against France.
Inter-confederation Play-Off 2 Winner
Group Winner Odds: 25/1
Teams it could be: Iraq, Bolivia, Suriname
With respective FIFA rankings of 58, 76 and 123, Iraq, Bolivia, Suriname are unlikely to make an impact in Group I, whomever reaches the tournament this summer. Saying that, Iraq could take heart from Saudi’s shock win over Argentina four years ago and hope for something similar to boost their domestic league.
Key Match: Norway vs France
This group will probably be decided by Norway’s showdown against France at Gillette Stadium on June 26, although bettors should keep an eye on Senegal. If both France and Norway are on six points, then neither will rest players as topping Group I secures a last-32 match with a third-placed team. Keep an eye on the live World Cup odds during this one, as the match could swing wildly.
Group J
Group J World Cup betting should play out as expected, with Argentina topping the group, followed by Austria. However, Algeria’s presence makes this group a little less predictable, and Argentina will be wary of suffering another group stage defeat after their loss to Saudi in 2022.
Argentina
Group Winner Odds: 1/4
Lionel Messi is still able to influence Argentina at the age of 38 but if Argentina are to win the World Cup then they need others to take a starring role. That begins from the opening match against Algeria on June 17 (2am).
If Lautaro Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul, Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes can hit their straps early, then Argentina should thrive in North America.
Keep an eye on the exciting Gianluca Prestianni, who could make a major impact on Group J if he gets into Lionel Scaloni's World Cup squad.
Austria
Group Winner Odds: 4/1
Austria enjoyed a relatively easy World Cup qualification campaign that soothed the pain of missing out on UEFA Nations League promotion in the spring of 2025. Crucial wins over Bosnia & Herzegovina and Romania ensured safe passage to this summer's tournament.
Boss Ralf Rangnick doesn't have a star-studded side but his players are reliable. David Alaba, Marcel Sabitzer and Marko Arnautovic provide experience, and a large bulk of Rangnick's squad has 30+ caps for their country.
Goals might be an issue in the knockout rounds, and Michael Gregoritsch will have to step up or Austria may need to rely on youngster Nikolaus Wurmbrand to deliver the goods.
Algeria
Group Winner Odds: 12/1
Algeria reached the AFCON quarter-finals before being outplayed by Nigeria to crash out of January’s tournament. That was an improvement on the previous two Africa Cup of Nations, but the chances of them reaching the last-16 of the World Cup (as they did in 2014) looks slim.
Vladimir Petkovic’s side are arguably over-reliant on veteran Riyad Mahrez and centre-back Aissa Mandi.
Granted, young forward Ibrahim Maza and winger Fares Chaibi gained tournament experience at AFCON, but the World Cup is a bigger beast. It’s hard to see how they rival Argentina and Austria for group supremacy.
Jordan
Group Winner Odds: 25/1
Jordan were the surprise team at the 2025 Arab Cup, where they defied the odds to reach the final. They're now heading into their first ever World Cup, and have been on an upward curve for the past decade.
Most of boss Jamal Sellami's players hail from the Jordanian top flight. But there's some European-based talent in there too, with Rennes' forward Musa Al-Taamari the big draw. West Brom's Tamer Bani Odeh may also get a call-up.
Jordan kick off their World Cup journey at 5am UK time against Austria on June 17. The 68,500-capacity Levi's Stadium hosts the showdown.
Key Match: Argentina vs Austria
Argentina are the big favourites to beat Austria on June 22 in Arlington. Complete the job here and they should saunter into the knockout stages. Messi and a few other top names could then earn a rest for the last group match, against Jordan, and be ready for the knockouts.
Group K
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the pre-tournament favorites in the World Cup Golden Boot odds, and his Portugal side have a great opportunity to lift the trophy in North America. Group K should be easy for Portugal, with Colombia almost certain to finish second.
Group K World Cup betting, therefore, looks good for punters seeking to place short-odds bet builders.
Portugal
Group Winner Odds: 11/20
Portugal should have no problem escaping Group K as group winners. They kick off their campaign against one of DR Congo, New Caledonia, and Jamaica. Then there's a showdown with Uzbekistan, recent winners of the CAFA Nations Cup.
In reality, Portugal should have six points on the board when they face Colombia in Miami on June 28 (00:30am).
Portugal have a wealth of talent, with Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva the standout talents alongside Ronaldo.
The one drawback? Winning Group K would put Portugal right at the bottom of the last-32 bracket, meaning they’d have one day less of preparation time than their opponents if they reach the final.
Colombia
Group Winner Odds: 6/4
Colombia reversed a disastrous start to 2026 World Cup qualifying by going unbeaten in their last five games to secure third place in CONMEBOL's table. Battling to a 1-1 draw against Argentina in Buenos Aires was arguably their standout result, and is proof that they could – perhaps – challenge Portugal for Group K supremacy.
Like Portugal, they should have no problem beating the other two teams in the group. Second place is what's expected of Nestor Lorenzo's side.
Keep an eye on Luis Diaz, the forward who is a great outside price to win the Golden Boot. Captain James Rodriguez is hugely influential, while Jefferson Lerma, Daniel Munoz and Yerry Mina should all feature heavily.
Uzbekistan
Group Winner Odds: 15/1
Could Uzbekistan spring a surprise at this World Cup? They're 15/1 to win Group G, with a date of destiny penned in for June 18, when they face Colombia at the Azteca Stadium. Win that opening game and heads will turn.
Uzbekistan come into the World Cup in great form. They won the CAFA Nations Cup in September, beating top-ranked Iran along the way. A 2-0 win over Egypt in November, and another defeat of Iran (on penalties) shows Uzbekistan's strength.
They still might not have enough to overturn Colombia, but with Eldor Shomurodov captaining the team there's every possibility of an upset.
Inter-confederation Play-Off 2 Winner
Group Winner Odds: 25/1
Teams it could be: DR Congo, New Caledonia, Jamaica
DR Congo, New Caledonia and Jamaica are all rank outsiders to win Group K and, in reality, one of them will finish bottom this summer. Jamaica manager Steve McLaren left after they failed to automatically qualify for the World Cup in a group involving Curacao, Bermuda, and Trinidad and Tobago.
New Caledonia have never reached the World Cup and the island of 271,000 is ranked 150th in the FIFA rankings.
DR Congo, meanwhile, had a strong AFCON this winter and should secure safe passage to Group K via the World Cup play-offs, even if they then struggle in North America.
Key Match: Portugal vs Colombia
Portugal and Colombia will hope to both have six points by the time they clash in Miami on June 28 (00:30). Colombia have the talent to scare Portugal but their opponents are, arguably, superior. Whoever finishes second would face Group L runner-up (likely Croatia) in the last-32, which neither side wants.
Group L
Speaking of Group L, this is where England hope to sustain a challenge for the World Cup trophy, having fallen at the quarter-final stage in 2022. England are one of the favourites to win the whole thing, but there are concerns over boss Thomas Tuchel’s set-up.
Can the manager squeeze the best out of his superstar squad?
Croatia got the better of England in the 2018 semi-finals and still have 40-year-old maestro Luka Modric in the squad.
Then there’s Ghana, who will fancy their chances after dominating their World Cup qualifying group, and the lesser-known Panama, competing in only their second World Cup.
England
Group Winner Odds: 33/100
The Group L World Cup winner odds favour England to top the group, yet Tuchel can’t take this for granted. Croatia pose a threat from the first match on June 17 (9pm), before a crunch showdown with Ghana in Boston.
If Harry Kane and co. can get up to speed fast then they should take six points and can rest players for the third game versus Panama. Stumble, though, and their World Cup journey may become fraught.
Finishing second in Group L means a likely showdown with Colombia, before a last-16 tie against Spain. Topping the group likely avoids the big boys until the quarter-finals.
Croatia
Group Winner Odds: 3/1
Can Croatia cause an upset and win Group L? Should we even consider them underdogs to England, considering they currently compete in League A of the UEFA Nations League?
The World Cup odds give Croatia a 25% chance of winning Group L – a percentage that will rise significantly if they edge England on June 17 (9pm).
It’s eminently possible, with just one goal splitting these teams in three of their last four meetings (the other being a 0-0 draw in Rijeka).
Croatia aren't just about Modric. Keep an eye on Josko Gvardiol, Nikola Vlasic and Mateo Kovacic, plus the experienced Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric.
Ghana
Group Winner Odds: 11/1
Ghana somehow failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations last autumn. There’s a need to right some wrongs at the World Cup this summer, and they kick off their campaign with an expected three points against Panama.
Win this game and Ghana will need just a point against either England or Croatia to likely make the last-32. It’s 15 years since they earned a 1-1 friendly draw against England – and another is eminently possible, especially with Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew and Inaki Williams in the forward line.
Panama
Group Winner Odds: 33/1
Panama's World Cup qualification campaign was pretty straightforward against relative minnows in their CONCACAF groups. A better gauge of their potential this summer comes in recent results against higher-ranked nations Mexico and USA.
Panama lost 2-1 to Mexico last March but beat USA 1-0 in a competitive Nations League match. It was a sign of what this team is capable of, heading into their second ever World Cup.
They remain group underdogs but punters seeking an upset or two may believe Anibal Godoy and co. can deliver. Remember, England drew with Panama's neighbours Costa Rica at the 2014 World Cup.
Key Match: England vs Croatia
England vs Croatia on June 17 (9pm) should determine who tops Group L. England are favourites in the football odds, and you can read our England vs Croatia World Cup tips in the lead-up to the game. Assuming captain Kane starts with Bukayo Saka supporting him, Declan Rice in central midfield and both John Stones and Ezri Konsa commanding the defence, it's hard to see Croatia breaking down this spine.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change.
