Tournament Preview: Group I

Group I has the potential to become one of the standout groups of the 2026 World Cup, bringing together a tournament heavyweight, an emerging European force, one of Africa’s strongest sides and an underdog eager to make history. Let’s take a closer look at Group H in this summer’s big tournament!

France arrive as one of the favourites to lift the trophy once again, but Norway and Senegal both possess enough quality to make qualification highly competitive. Iraq complete the section hoping to embrace the occasion and secure their first positive results on the world stage.

With attacking talent spread throughout the group and several teams carrying strong momentum into the tournament, Group I could deliver some of the most entertaining matches of the opening phase.

France

France head into the tournament carrying enormous expectations after reaching each of the last two finals and lifting the trophy in 2018.

Didier Deschamps once again has one of the strongest squads in international football at his disposal. Kylian Mbappe remains the headline figure in attack, while Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue add even more pace, creativity and unpredictability to an already formidable forward line.

The depth of quality throughout the French squad is what continues to separate them from most rivals. From midfield to defence, France possess elite-level talent across every position and arrive in North America with the clear objective of competing for another world title.

A third consecutive tournament final appearance would place this generation among the greatest in modern international football, and France will expect to progress through Group I without major difficulty before turning their focus toward another deep tournament run.

Iraq

Iraq return to the big stage for only the second time in their history and their first appearance since 1986.

The primary objective for the squad will be to make a stronger impression than during their debut campaign, where they lost all three group-stage matches. Drawn alongside France, Norway and Senegal, Iraq face an extremely difficult challenge, particularly against sides with considerable attacking strength.

Recent results have been mixed, but Iraq will hope determination, discipline and collective spirit can help them remain competitive in a demanding group. Their opening match against Norway could immediately test the defensive organisation of the side against one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking teams.

Although they enter the tournament as clear outsiders, Iraq will take inspiration from previous tournament surprise teams and aim to create memorable moments of their own on football’s biggest stage.

Norway

Norway return to the tournament for the first time since 1998 and arrive with growing belief that this generation is capable of achieving something special.

The squad is built around two of Europe’s most recognisable stars. Their big Man City striker provides one of the most feared goalscoring threats in world football, while their midfield maestro and Arsenal captain brings creativity and control from midfield. Around them, Norway have assembled an increasingly balanced and confident side.

Strong recent results, including an impressive victory over Italy during qualification, have only added to optimism surrounding the team. Under Stale Solbakken, Norway have developed into a side capable of attacking opponents aggressively while remaining organised defensively.

Their aim will be to progress beyond the round of 16 for the first time in history, and with the quality now available throughout the squad, Norway could emerge as one of the tournament’s most dangerous dark horses.

Senegal

Senegal complete Group I as one of Africa’s strongest representatives and a side fully capable of competing with elite opposition.

The finalists from last year’s big African football tournament continue to combine athleticism, organisation and attacking quality, with experienced figures such as Sadio Mane joined by talented forwards including Iliman Ndiaye and Nicolas Jackson.

Under Pape Thiaw, Senegal remain a disciplined and physically imposing side capable of causing problems for any opponent. Their run to the quarter-finals in 2002 still stands as the nation’s greatest achievement at the tournament, but there is belief this generation can challenge that benchmark.

The battle with Norway for qualification behind France could become one of the defining contests of the group stage, and Senegal will feel they possess the quality and experience needed to reach the knockout rounds once again.

Conclusion

France enter Group I as deserved favourites and possess the attacking firepower and squad depth expected of a serious title contender.

Behind them, the fight for qualification looks extremely competitive. Norway arrive with momentum and perhaps the strongest generation of players the country has produced in decades, while Senegal’s experience and athletic quality make them a dangerous opponent capable of progressing deep into the tournament.

Iraq complete the group as outsiders, but their determination and underdog spirit could still influence the final standings.

With several teams capable of producing high-level performances, Group I may prove one of the most entertaining and closely watched sections of the tournament.

Last Updated: 05.06.2026