Forebet's World Cup Group Stage Predictions for Groups I, J, K and L

06/16/2026 2172

The World Cup is just around the corner and Forebet's algorithm is more than ready with our football predictions for it. Let's go over the math suggests will happen in groups I, J, K and L and what Group Stage predictions the algorithm has cooked up!

As usual, at Forebet we focus on detailed game-by-game predictions so the algorithm can have the most accurate and current information for its calculations. We've done the same for the World Cup's opening matches too and we'll keep updating our football predictions as the World Cup continues. But we still endeavored and pushed the algorithm to check how the World Cup groups are going to shape up, so, let's go over the last quartet of groups.

Group I: Heavyweight Contenders and Elite Spines

Forebet projects France to win Group I easily, utilizing a deep squad filled with world-class individual match-winners. Their opening match against Senegal is projected as 47% for a 2-0 victory and a disappointing start for the Lions of Teranga.

For Norway, Forebet's football prediction is a second finish, built around a highly clinical attacking spine featuring Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. Norway is expected to open their campaign with 56% for a similarly comfortable 2-0 victory over Iraq, highlighting their offensive efficiency.

With Senegal, Forebet expects third finish and qualification to the Round of 32, as the African side will potentially finish with 4 points. Led by explosive winger Ismaila Sarr, Senegal possesses immense physical power and transition speed, allowing them to secure a positive goal difference through a dominant victory over Iraq. Iraq is projected to finish fourth with zero points, as their defensive line lacks the recovery speed to handle the world-class runs of Haaland and the French and Senegalese attackers.

Group J: World Champions and Systemic Pressing

It isn't shocking that the algorithm expects Argentina as Group J winners, with the reigning world champions maintaining elite squad harmony and structural adaptability under Lionel Scaloni. Forebet expects Argentina to open their campaign with 57% for yet another comfortable 2-0 victory over Algeria, showcasing their midfield control and defensive security. Austria is predicted to finish second, employing Ralf Rangnick's highly aggressive, systemic counter-pressing model that disrupts opponent build-up play.

With Algeria, the algorithm expects them to finish third but to likely be eliminated from the knockout calculations with possibly not much more than 1 or 2 points in Group J. While possessing technical quality, the Algerian squad’s tendency to commit defensive turnovers under high-pressure pressing systems will likely hurt their goal difference, leaving them outside the top eight third-placed teams. Jordan finishes fourth, severely outclassed by the tactical and physical speed of their European and South American opponents.

Group K: Positional Depth and Cohesive Midfields

Portugal is predicted to win Group K, boasting exceptional squad depth and a highly flexible tactical model that excels in positional play. Forebet's prediction for Portugal's opening match against DR Congo is 59% for a 2-0 victory, reflecting their technical superiority.

Colombia looks likely to finish second, utilizing elite technical cohesion, rapid wing transitions, and a highly physical defensive spine. Uzbekistan will probably end up third in the group but, like Algeria, is expected to be eliminated. Although Uzbekistan operates a highly disciplined defensive block, they lack the attacking output to secure the goal-scoring tiebreakers required in the third-place standings, leaving them short of qualification. For Group K, Forebet sees DR Congo finishing fourth, struggling to maintain structural discipline during defensive transition phases.

Group L: Golden Generations and Midfield Pedigree

Forebet's football predictions for Group L point to England winning the group comfortably with 9 points, using their highly valuable, star-studded roster to dominate possession and control match tempos. The algorithm expects a tight loss to England for Croatia in the group opener and a potential draw along the way, but still 2nd-place finish and qualification to the Round of 32.

Ghana is predicted to finish third and qualify as one of the better 8th-placed teams in the Group Stage. Ghana’s highly athletic transition style and physical dominance in central areas are projected to secure them a decisive victory over Panama, generating a positive goal difference that guarantees safe passage to the Round of 32. Panama finishes fourth, lacking the competitive speed and tactical depth to challenge the group's heavyweights and likely taking no more than a stray point from Croatia or Ghana.

In Essence, What Are Forebet's Group Stage Predictions for Groups I, J, K and L?

According to Forebet's calculations and Group Stage predictions, the last 4 groups look likely to give us only two 3rd-place qualifying-teams, as J and K don't look like they would be very hotly-contested. In group I, Norway and Senegal look like they can give France some trouble, as well as to one another, potentially leading to either Norway surpassing expectations or Senegal moving to the Round of 32.

In Group L it will be interesting to see if Croatia can give England more trouble than the close 2-1 loss Forebet predicts and whether Ghana can do more than just take 3 points off of Panama. In either case, any sensible Group Stage prediction for Group L seems likely to include three qualifying teams.