France and Argentina To Kick Off In Style

Round 1 of the 2026 World Cup group stage continues, and we highlight the smart picks from 2022 runners-up France vs Senegal and holders Argentina vs Algeria. You can also read my full preview and predictions for the match between England and Croatia here.

Can Senegal Contain Prolific France?

France meets Senegal on 16 June at the New York New Jersey Stadium. This Group I clash comes 24 years after Senegal beat France 1-0 in the 2002 World Cup. But Didier Deschamps’ Les Bleus are efficient, with a solid spine and a world-class front 4, including Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele. In Pape Thiaw’s Senegal, France face a fast, physical team, hoping to better 2022’s last 16 exit. The Seranga Lions boast top-tier forwards Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson, allied to a dynamic midfield in a compact 4-3-3 lineup.

Key Statistics:

• Senegal won both H2Hs against France.
• France have won 4 of their last 5 games, scoring 12 goals. Senegal have scored 2+ in 2 of their last 3.
• France won the 1998 and 2018 World Cups, and were losing finalists at Qatar 2022.
• France’s 5-match form is W-L-W-W-W.
• Senegal’s last 5 games include D-L-W-W-L.

The Odds Underestimate Senegal’s Attack

At 1.48 (Ladbrokes), France are given a 68% chance to win. But the win and 2+ goals looks better value, as Les Bleus hit 2+ goals in 4 of their last 5 games.

Both teams to score “no” is 1.72 (William Hill), a 58% implied probability. Yet, France scored and conceded in their last 5 games, while Senegal scored in 3 of their 4 recent matches. Those stats suggest both teams could concede.

Predictions:

• France to win and over 2.5 goals @ 2.30 (Coral) – based on France’s 80% win record in their last 5 and the goalscoring stats.
• Both teams to score @ 2.20 (Betfred). Zero clean sheets in 5 for France and Senegal’s attacking threat make this a solid play.

*Odds are subject to change.

Can Algeria Tame Argentina’s Goalscoring?

Group J opens with Argentina versus Algeria on 17 June at Kansas City Stadium. Lionel Scaloni’s side, aiming for back-to-back World titles, enter this tournament with 5 straight wins, easing past Iceland 3-0 and Honduras 2-0 in their last 2. Their strong 4-3-3 formation, spearheaded by Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez, often overpowers opponents. Algeria, making their first World Cup appearance since 2014, deploy a flexible 4-2-3-1/3-4-2-1 shape, and are coming off wins over Bolivia and the Netherlands. But a 2-0 AFCON quarter-final exit to Nigeria showed their true level, and the Desert Lions may struggle to contain Argentina’s powerful attack.

Key Statistics:

• These two teams have met once – a 4-3 Argentina victory in 2007, when Lionel Messi scored twice.
• The form book shows Argentina’s last 5 matches as W-W-W-W-W.
• Algeria’s last 5 games include W-W-D-W-L.
• With 5 wins in a row, Argentina scored 15 goals and conceded just once.

Defending Champions To Cruise As Alvarez Stars

Looking beyond Argentina to win @ 1.40 (Coral) or 71% implied probability, a win to nil @ 2.15 (William Hill) is possible. But Algeria scored 5 in warm-up wins over Bolivia and the Netherlands. So, I prefer Argentina’s prolific attack to outscore Algeria and win each half. The markets have Lionel Messi @ 2.05 (Coral) to score a goal. But Argentina’s central striker, Julian Alvarez, is a bigger-priced 2.62 (Coral) to add to his 14 goals in 51 caps.

Predictions:

• Argentina to win both halves @ 3.40 (Bet365), which La Albiceleste managed in 4 of 5 recent friendlies.
• Over 2.5 goals @ 1.92 (BetVictor). Argentina and Algeria scored a combined 26 goals in their last 5 games.

*Odds are subject to change.

Rapid Picks: Other Key Matches

The Battle of the Ws

Last time my £10 double @ 4.31 fell just short (Mexico to win to nil @ 2.05 and Haiti-Scotland both teams to score @ 2.10) after Scotland beat Haiti 1-0.

Now, I will place my £10 on Argentina to win both halves @ 3.40, as the Argentines’ potent attack should crush an overmatched Algeria. Follow my picks against Chris Winterburn in the Battle of the Ws.