Group I at the 2026 World Cup promises to be one of the most spectacular and competitive in the entire tournament. This quartet will feature the reigning world vice-champions with one of the most star-studded lineups on the planet, an African powerhouse dreaming of repeating the feat of 22 years ago, Europe's most formidable attacking machine led by a goal-scoring robot, and a Middle Eastern team for whom reaching the World Cup is already a historic achievement.
France, Senegal, Norway, and Iraq — four teams, four styles, four different stories. Any of them is capable of springing a surprise, and the battle for a playoff spot is likely to extend to the final minutes of the third round . We analyze the participants' lineups, key players, schedule, and provide a forecast for the outcome of the Group I confrontation.
Participants and Overall Strength
Group I is as follows: France, Senegal, Norway, and Iraq . According to FIFA rankings and analysts, there's an intriguing configuration here. France, ranked first in the world rankings, is the undisputed favorite of the group and one of the main contenders for victory in the entire tournament . A fierce battle for the second playoff spot is expected between Norway (31st place) and Senegal (14th place) . Iraq (55th place in the FIFA rankings) is considered the underdog, but in the new tournament format, where even third place can offer a chance to continue the fight, dismissing the Lions of Mesopotamia is premature.
France National Team: The Last Dance of the Great Coach
The France national team approaches the World Cup as one of the tournament's main favorites. The reigning world vice-champions, who lost to Argentina in a dramatic Qatar 2022 final, are determined to take the next step and win their third title in history . For the team, this will be their 17th participation in World Cups.
Coach and Style. Didier Deschamps, the legendary coach who led France to victory in the 2018 World Cup, has been at the helm for 14 years. The upcoming tournament will be his farewell: after the World Cup, Deschamps will step down as head coach. Of course, he wants to leave in style — with another world trophy in his collection . Deschamps advocates pragmatic yet highly effective football. His favorite formation is 4-2-3-1, where the attacking group plays a key role.
Key Players. France arguably has the deepest and most talented lineup in the tournament. The main star is Kylian Mbappe. The Real Madrid forward is at the peak of his career and will be highly motivated: he is the main attacking force and leader of this team . Accompanying Mbappe in attack are Ousmane Dembele, the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, whose vision and dribbling complement the speed of his partner, and Michael Olise from Bayern, who has become a key figure in attack construction . In midfield, Aurelien Tchouameni and Warren Zaire-Emery stand out, who, despite their youth, have already gained experience in big matches. The defense line is led by William Saliba from Arsenal — one of the best central defenders in the world. The main goalkeeper is Mike Maignan from Milan .
Losses and Risks. The main problem for the French is the possible fatigue of the leaders after a long club season. Almost all key players have played a huge number of matches and may come to the tournament in decline. There are also questions about the bench depth in some positions .
Prediction. France is the main favorite not only in the group but in the entire championship. Analysts and bookmakers give the "tricolors" the second-best chances of winning the tournament after Spain . If Deschamps' team maintains concentration and avoids injuries, they can go very far. Advancing from the group for France is merely a formality .
Norway National Team: 28 Years of Waiting and Two Super Strikers
Norway returns to the World Cup after 28 years. The last time the Scandinavians participated in the World Cup was in 1998, where they reached the round of 16, losing to Italy . Now they arguably have the most talented generation in history, and expectations are not just for participation but for a loud sensation.
How They Qualified. In European qualification, the Norwegians had a brilliant campaign. The two matches against Italy were crucial: the Scandinavians literally destroyed the Italians, winning 3-0 at home and thrashing them 4-1 away. This performance made the entire football world talk about Norway as a dark horse for the upcoming tournament .
Coach and Style. The team is led by Ståle Solbakken, who has instilled attacking, dynamic football with an emphasis on fast transitions and utilizing the strengths of their leaders. Norway is all about strict geometry and power on the field.
Key Players. The main star and main threat to any opponent is Erling Haaland. The Manchester City forward boasts incredible stats for the national team: 55 goals in 48 matches . He's a true goal-scoring machine, almost impossible to stop when he receives the ball. His attacking partner is Alexander Sørloth from Atletico Madrid, who is having the best season of his career and can score just as well as Haaland . The "architect" of attacks is Martin Ødegaard, the captain of the team and the creative center. His passes from deep and ability to find open spaces directly feed the powerful attack. The squad also includes daring wingers Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb .
Losses and Risks. The main problem is injuries to key defenders. Defenders Thorbjørn Heggem and David Wolfe have health issues, making the center of defense vulnerable. Also, Martin Ødegaard had a tough club season, and his readiness is in question .
Prediction. Norway is the main candidate for second place in the group. Their attacking power can pose problems even for the French national team. However, defensive issues and game instability might allow Senegal to seize the initiative. Nevertheless, the 28-year wait should end with a playoff berth .
Senegal National Team: African Lions Roaring Again
Senegal is a regular participant in World Cups. This will be their fourth tournament. The team's debut in 2002 was sensational — it was the Senegalese who defeated the reigning world champions France in the very first match of the tournament and reached the quarterfinals . Now history may repeat itself: in the first round, the "Lions" will once again face France.
How They Qualified. In African qualification, Senegal looked confident: the team did not suffer a single defeat in 10 matches, drawing three times .
Coach and Style. The team is led by 44-year-old Pape Thiaw, who has assembled a mature, stable, and physically strong team. Senegal plays powerful, athletic football with a focus on defense and quick counterattacks.
Key Players. The captain and leader is Sadio Mane. For the 34-year-old veteran, this World Cup will likely be the last in his career, and he intends to leave on a high note . The experienced Kalidou Koulibaly cements the defense, and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy provides reliability on the final frontier . In attack, young Nicolas Jackson stands out, whose speed and power add variety.
Losses and Risks. Key attacking players Ismaila Sarr and Assana Diao are recovering from serious injuries and lack game practice . The team also has discipline issues — at the Africa Cup, the Senegalese staged a collective walkout from the field, indicating possible problems with psychological resilience.
Prediction. Senegal is a dangerous opponent capable of competing for second place. Their experience, physical power, and discipline will help them challenge Norway. If the "Lions" manage to beat the Scandinavians in a head-to-head, they can certainly take second place.
Iraq National Team: Lions of Mesopotamia with a Fighting Spirit
Iraq is one of the most interesting participants in the group. It is not the wealthiest or most star-studded team, but the Iraqis have something that money can't buy — incredible fighting spirit and character.
How They Qualified. In Asian qualification, Iraq advanced by surpassing more prestigious opponents. The team is used to playing in tough conditions and achieving results through dedication.
Coach and Style. The team is led by Australian specialist Graham Arnold. He has instilled in the Iraqis a disciplined, counter-attacking style. Iraq is a team that knows how to endure and punish the opponent for the slightest mistake . Team cohesion and the ability to fight to the end are the main trump cards of the "Lions of Mesopotamia".
Key Players. The creative center is young midfielder Zidane Iqbal, already compared to his great namesake. Experienced forward Aymen Hussein is the main threat in front of the opponent's goal . The rest of the players represent leagues from various countries, but there are no stars among them.
Prediction. Iraq is the weakest quintet in the group in terms of ranking and roster. The team's main goal is to play with dignity, not to disgrace themselves, and perhaps to draw against Senegal or Norway. For the "Lions of Mesopotamia", even participating in such a tournament is already a victory.
Group I Match Schedule
Group matches will take place in stadiums across the USA and Canada.
June 17: France — Senegal (New York/New Jersey) .
June 17: Iraq — Norway (Boston) .
June 23: France — Iraq (Philadelphia) .
June 23: Norway — Senegal (New York/New Jersey) .
June 27: Norway — France (Boston) .
June 27: Senegal — Iraq (Toronto) .
Final Forecast for Group I
Group I is one of the most competitive in the tournament. France is the clear favorite, while Norway and Senegal will contest the second berth in a head-to-head match in the second round.
First place — France. The reigning world vice-champions are too strong, balanced, and deep in squad to miss out on first place. Even if Deschamps' team doesn't play at full strength, the class of Mbappe, Dembele, and Saliba is enough to earn seven to nine points.
Second place — Norway. The attacking power of Haaland, Sørloth, and Ødegaard should outweigh the experience and physicality of the Senegalese. If the Norwegians don't lose to Senegal in the second round, they are almost guaranteed a playoff berth. The 28-year wait should end.
Third place — Senegal. The "Lions" will show character and fight but will lack the freshness and variety in attack to surpass Norway. A victory over Iraq and possibly a draw with France or Norway will allow them to earn four points, which is highly likely enough to be among the best third-placed teams.
Fourth place — Iraq. The "Lions of Mesopotamia" will fight and not disgrace themselves, but the class of the opponents is too high. For the tournament debutant, competing with seasoned Europeans and Africans will be extremely challenging. The main goal is to play with dignity and perhaps score at least one goal.
The main intrigue of the group. The Norway vs. Senegal match in the second round will effectively become a final for the second berth. If the Norwegians win, the Scandinavians can calmly prepare for the playoffs. If the Senegalese prevail, the fight will extend to the last round. And of course, everyone is interested in the remake of the 2002 match France vs. Senegal. Can the "Lions" repeat the 22-year-old sensation, or will the "Tricolors" take revenge? We will find out the answer on June 17.