The World Cup has officially arrived, and the Ladbrokes blog is your one-stop shop for daily tips ahead of all the key games. From the Group Stages, right through to the World Cup Final, check back each day to find out who our football expert is backing!
Group Stage
France vs Senegal Prediction – Group I (Match 1)
Senegal faces an uphill battle in a treacherous Group I competition, but after famously upsetting France 1-0 during the Group Stage of the 2002 World Cup, there’s at least some room for optimism.
At the same time, France, the tournament favourites, are hoping to send manager Didier Deschamps off on the right note after a stunning run of form during the qualifiers that saw them drop only two points.
Senegal has been equally impressive, remaining unbeaten all the way through to the World Cup stage, although their warm-up loss to the USA does pose some big questions. Their form at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is worth taking into account, but the fact they’ve failed to keep a single clean sheet at the World Cup since their aforementioned 2002 win over France indicates we should see at least a couple of goals in this one.
Norway vs Iraq – Group I (Match 2)
Iraq and Norway clash in Boston with Erling Haaland’s side heavily favoured to win comfortably.
Aussie Graham Arnold will be hoping to pull of the upset of all upsets as Iraq newly appointed coach, but their rocky international form of late suggests this will be a mammoth task against the 31st ranked team in the world.
To make matters more complicated, Norway ran riot during the qualifying stages in more ways than one, scoring a whopping 37 goals and conceding only five.
Boasting an attacking front that features not only Haaland, but also Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard and Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth, this game basically boils down to Norway having way too many options going forward of the ball.
Argentina vs Algeria – Group J (Match 1)
The reigning champs face a stiff test to kick off Group play against an Algeria side that has picked up four wins from its last six games across all competitions.
The Fennecs finished with top points during the qualifiers and suffered only one defeat, also finishing third in goals scored.
Playing in his final World Cup, Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi will steal the headlines, but there is enough attacking firepower elsewhere to afford the 38-year-old less responsibility.
Led by Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez, Argentina’s attacking depth is the envy of just about every other country in the tournament, while Enzo Fernandez remains one of the most dangerous and creative goal scorers.
All of this, plus the fact Messi scored a lazy 43 goals in the MLS last year make Argentina formidable opponent, but they can’t afford to underestimate an Algerian side that features the likes of Riyad Mahrez and the in-form Amine Gouiri.
We’ve seen a few of the top heavyweights stumble to kick off the Group Stage so far, and while it’s difficult to imagine Argentina losing, Algeria could give them more than they bargained for on the scoresheet.
Austria vs Jordan – Group J (Match 2)
Austria bring a clear identity under Ralf Rangnick, built on pressing, structure, and attacking efficiency. With midfield engines like Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer, and attacking threats such as Marko Arnautović and Christoph Baumgartner, they consistently create chances, especially against teams that sit deep
Jordan are organised and disciplined but tend to play reactively. Musa Al-Taamari is their main danger on the counter, though they often struggle to sustain attacking pressure against stronger opposition. Over time, the gap in quality and depth should become evident.