Group I featuring France, Norway, Senegal and Iraq is not a classic “group of death”, but it offers one of the biggest stories of the tournament: Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, two of the most talked-about strikers in the current era, are set to finally meet on the World Cup stage.
France – World Rank: 3
France will make their 17th World Cup appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Didier Deschamps – The Coach
The legendary French football manager is best known as one of only three men in history to win the FIFA World Cup as both a player and a manager. Before leaving the French national team, he could add another jewel to his crown.
Kylian Mbappé – The Main Man
Captain Mbappé remains the marquee player of the team, having moved from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid in 2024. Mbappé is highly likely to break Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 all-time World Cup goals. Currently having 12, he needs just five more to surpass the German icon’s all-time tournament scoring record.
Désiré Doué – The Shooting Star
The 21-year-old French right winger currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is widely regarded as one of the best young talents in the world.
Fixtures
- 17 June vs Senegal – East Rutherford, New Jersey
- 23 June vs Iraq – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- 27 June vs Norway – Boston, Massachusetts
World Cup Highlights
Les Bleus have won the World Cup twice, in 1998 as hosts and in Russia in 2018.
Prediction
France have been the tournament favourites since 2018, and the 2026 World Cup is no different. After winning the 2018 edition and finishing runners-up in 2022, France have every expectation of making another push for the final.
Norway – World Rank: 31
Norway will make their fourth World Cup appearance and their first since 1998.
Ståle Solbakken – The Coach
Solbakken is one of the most successful Norwegian managers in modern football. He won eight Danish Superliga titles and four Danish Cups across two highly successful spells at FC Copenhagen. Currently serving as head coach of the Norway national team, he led them to their first FIFA World Cup qualification since 1998.
Erling Haaland – The Main Man
One of the most feared strikers in world football, the 25-year-old has scored an astonishing 45 goals in 49 appearances for Norway.
Antonio Nusa – The Shooting Star
The highly rated 21-year-old Norwegian winger is known for his blistering pace, elite dribbling and creative vision. For Norway, he has already scored eight goals in 24 appearances.
Fixtures
- 17 June vs Iraq – Boston, Massachusetts
- 23 June vs Senegal – East Rutherford, New Jersey
- 27 June vs France – Boston, Massachusetts
World Cup Highlights
Norway will make their fourth World Cup appearance and their first since 1998. They have twice reached the Round of 16, in 1938 and 1998.
Prediction
With their elite attacking talent, Norway and Senegal are expected to go head-to-head for second place in the group.
Senegal – World Rank: 15
Senegal will make their fourth World Cup appearance this summer.
Pape Thiaw – The Coach
The highly decorated Senegalese football manager made history as the first head coach to win both the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He is highly regarded for his proactive, attacking tactical style.
Sadio Mané – The Main Man
The face of Senegal’s national team for over a decade, Mané remains his country’s undisputed leader and attacking focal point.
Ibrahim Mbaye – The Shooting Star
The highly touted 20-year-old right winger emerged from the PSG Academy and quickly made history as the youngest goalscorer at AFCON in the 21st century.
Fixtures
17 June, vs France – East Rutherford, New Jersey
23 June, vs Norway – East Rutherford, New Jersey
27 June, vs Iraq – Toronto, Ontario
World Cup Highlights
Their most successful tournament came during their maiden 2002 appearance, when they secured a legendary upset victory over France en route to the quarter-finals.
Prediction
As the second-best-ranked team in Group I, Senegal are expected to reach the knockout stages.
Iraq – World Rank: 56
Iraq will make their second World Cup appearance and their first since 1986.
Graham Arnold – The Coach
The prominent Australian football manager is best known for managing the Australian national team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and subsequently taking charge of the Iraqi team, and guiding them back to the World Cup.
Aymen Hussein – The Main Man
Iraq’s leading striker, Hussein is a major figure in Asian football. He is the country’s second all-time leading goalscorer, with 32 goals in 90 appearances.
Ahmed Qasem – The Shooting Star
The 22-year-old Swedish-born winger joined Nashville SC ahead of the 2025 season and lifted the US Open Cup in his debut campaign.
Fixtures
17 June, vs Norway – Boston, Massachusetts
23 June, vs France – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
27 June, vs Senegal – Toronto, Ontario
World Cup Highlights
Iraq will make their second World Cup appearance and their first since 1986.
Prediction
The Lions of Mesopotamia will be looking to make the most out of their historic qualification and underdog status.
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