Six group stage deciders on Friday June 26 including Egypt vs Iran and Senegal vs Iraq. Full previews and betting tips for every match.
Friday 26 June is one of the biggest days of the group stage. Six matches across Groups G, H and I will decide who advances to the Round of 32 and who goes home — including two African nations. Here is everything you need to know, with kickoff times in West Africa Time (WAT, UTC+1) and tips for Bet9ja and SportyBet punters.
Both Group I matches kick off simultaneously at 20:00 WAT. France and Norway have already qualified with six points each, but they are scrapping for the group win. Senegal and Iraq are already eliminated and playing for pride alone.
### Norway vs France — 20:00 WAT, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
This is the headline match of the day. Both teams arrive on six points and a win secures top spot and a theoretically easier Round of 32 path. France won 3-1 against Senegal and 3-0 against Iraq, averaging three goals a game. Norway put four past Iraq and three past Senegal in their opening two fixtures.
Both sides have been scoring freely. France are favoured at roughly 1.67 on Bet9ja. With Haaland versus the French back line as the compelling individual battle, goals look inevitable. Over 2.5 goals at around 1.55 is a solid single-game pick. Both Teams to Score is priced at approximately 1.70.
Tip: France to Win — approximately 1.67
### Senegal vs Iraq — 20:00 WAT, BMO Field, Toronto
Senegal enter with zero points and a goal difference of -3 after losses to France (1-3) and Norway (2-3). Iraq are even worse off, having conceded seven goals across two games. This is a consolation match, but Sadio Mane’s men will want to end on a high.
Senegal are heavy favourites at around 1.30 — too short to back outright. The value lies in goals. Over 3.5 goals at approximately 1.75 makes sense given how open both defences have been. Senegal to Win and Both Teams to Score at around 2.20 is worth a small stake.
For the full picture on the Lions of Teranga at this tournament, see the Senegal World Cup 2026 squad and fixtures.
Tip: Over 3.5 Goals — approximately 1.75
### Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia — 01:00 WAT, Shell Energy Stadium, Houston
Two teams who have not won a game meet in Houston. Spain confirmed top spot last matchday with seven points. Cabo Verde have two points — draws with Spain and Uruguay. Saudi Arabia have one point from a 1-1 draw with Uruguay and were then thrashed 0-4 by Spain.
A win for either side, combined with a favourable goal difference swing, could still earn a third-place qualifying berth. This is not a dead rubber. Cabo Verde have pace on the counter and Saudi Arabia carry an upset pedigree — the 2022 win over Argentina lives long in the memory. Both Teams to Score at around 1.85 suits a match where both sides have reason to attack.
Tip: Both Teams to Score — approximately 1.85
### Uruguay vs Spain — 01:00 WAT, Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
Spain have already qualified as Group H winners and will rotate. Uruguay — with two points — need to win to feel safe about reaching the Round of 32, meaning they arrive with far more desperation. Spain drew 0-0 against Cabo Verde when they eased off, suggesting a rotated side can be handled.
Uruguay’s experienced squad, with Valverde pulling strings and Nunez up front, will be motivated. Spain to Win at 1.75 represents the market consensus, but Uruguay Double Chance at around 1.85 is better value for money.
Tip: Uruguay Double Chance (Win or Draw) — approximately 1.85
### Egypt vs Iran — 04:00 WAT, Lumen Field, Seattle
The standout match of the late slot and the most important for African football fans on June 26. Egypt lead Group G with four points — a draw is enough to qualify. Iran have two points and must win to have any realistic hope of advancing.
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah was rested against Belgium but started against New Zealand, scoring once and creating two more. With qualification on the line, expect him to be unleashed from the start. Iran have been defensively solid — the back-to-back draws show they can frustrate — but they carry little threat in attack.
Egypt to Win is priced at approximately 2.20 on SportyBet. The Double Chance (Egypt Win or Draw) sits at around 1.45 for those preferring the safer route.
For the full breakdown of Egypt’s World Cup campaign, visit the Egypt World Cup 2026 squad and fixtures.
Tip: Egypt to Win — approximately 2.20
### New Zealand vs Belgium — 04:00 WAT, BC Place, Vancouver
Belgium have underperformed badly — back-to-back draws against Iran and Egypt leave them with just two points. They need to win, and they need New Zealand to do them no favours. New Zealand have impressed, earning a draw against Iran and pushing Egypt in the second half. But Belgium’s quality should eventually tell when they have a point to prove.
Belgium to Win at 1.60 is fair value. Over 2.5 goals at approximately 1.75 also catches the eye — Belgium need goals, and New Zealand can score on the break.
Tip: Belgium to Win — approximately 1.60
| Match | Kickoff (WAT) | Tip | Approx. Odds |
|—|—|—|—|
| Norway vs France | 20:00 | France to Win | 1.67 |
| Senegal vs Iraq | 20:00 | Over 3.5 Goals | 1.75 |
| Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia | 01:00 (June 27) | Both Teams to Score | 1.85 |
| Uruguay vs Spain | 01:00 (June 27) | Uruguay Double Chance | 1.85 |
| Egypt vs Iran | 04:00 (June 27) | Egypt to Win | 2.20 |
| New Zealand vs Belgium | 04:00 (June 27) | Belgium to Win | 1.60 |
Odds are approximate Bet9ja/SportyBet prices and subject to change. For the day’s best multi-bet, see our World Cup 2026 accumulator article. Bet responsibly — gambling should be fun. 18+.
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