World Cup 2026: Group I full fixture guide, team analysis and qualification predictions

Group I has all the ingredients to be one of the most compelling sections of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. France enters the tournament as one of the leading contenders for the title, boasting arguably the deepest squad in the competition.

Senegal arrive determined to prove their strength on the global stage after a turbulent period that followed the dramatic AFCON final. Iraq return to the World Cup for the first time since 1986, carrying the hopes of a nation that waited four decades for another appearance, while Norway make their long-awaited comeback after 28 years away from football’s biggest event.

With world-class stars, contrasting tactical styles and high stakes from the opening matchday, Group I promises drama from start to finish.

Group I Fixtures

June 16, 2026

• France vs Senegal (New York New Jersey Stadium)
• Iraq vs Norway (Boston Stadium)

June 22, 2026

• Norway vs Senegal (New York New Jersey Stadium)
• France vs Iraq (Philadelphia Stadium)

June 26, 2026

• Norway vs France (Boston Stadium)
• Senegal vs Iraq (Toronto Stadium)

France: Tournament Favourites with Strength in Every Position

The 2026 World Cup will be Didier Deschamps’ final tournament as France coach, adding extra significance to the campaign. The French manager is seeking a second World Cup title as a coach after guiding Les Bleus to glory in 2018.

Recent performances have reinforced France’s status as one of the favourites. Victories over Brazil and Colombia during the March international window highlighted both the quality of the starting lineup and the remarkable depth available throughout the squad.

France are expected to operate primarily in a 4 2 3 1 formation built around the midfield partnership of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot. Kylian Mbappé remains the focal point of the attack, supported by the creativity of Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise.

Their greatest strength lies in the variety of attacking options available. Mbappé’s pace and movement make him a constant threat, while Dembélé and Olise provide creativity and unpredictability from wide areas. Even with Hugo Ekitiké ruled out through injury, France possess enough attacking depth to remain one of the most dangerous teams in the competition.

Senegal: Experience, Talent and Motivation

Senegal arrive in North America carrying both confidence and unfinished business. The team remains one of Africa’s strongest sides and features a core group of experienced internationals led by captain Sadio Mané and defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

Under coach Pape Thiaw, Senegal have developed a clear identity built around an aggressive pressing game and a disciplined 4-3-3 structure. Mané continues to be the emotional and tactical leader of the team, while Nicolas Jackson has emerged as a reliable source of goals in attack.

The wide areas also provide significant danger through Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr, whose pace and direct running can trouble any defence.

Senegal possess the physicality to compete with Norway and the tactical discipline to challenge France. Their battle with Norway could ultimately decide who advances to the knockout rounds with France.

Iraq: Back on the World Stage

Few stories at the 2026 World Cup are as inspiring as Iraq’s return after a 40-year absence. Qualification sparked celebrations across the country and represented one of the most significant moments in Iraqi sporting history.

Head coach Graham Arnold has built his side around organisation, discipline and collective effort. Iraq are likely to use either a compact 4 5 1 or 4 4 2 system designed to frustrate opponents before launching quick counterattacks.

Ali Al Hamadi and Aymen Hussein provide the main attacking threat, while midfielder Zidane Iqbal offers creativity and composure in possession. Iraq may not have the star power of the other teams in the group, but their structure and determination make them capable of causing problems.

Defensively, the organisation remains the team’s greatest strength. Arnold will look to keep matches tight and give his side opportunities to strike on the counter.

Norway: Haaland Leads the Return

Norway’s qualification ended a 28-year wait to return to the World Cup and was achieved in impressive fashion. An unbeaten campaign featuring eight victories and 37 goals demonstrated the attacking potential of Ståle Solbakken’s side.

The team is built around the partnership of Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. Haaland provides one of the most feared goal threats in world football, while Ødegaard serves as the creative force behind the attack.

Norway also possess additional attacking weapons in Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sørloth, giving them multiple ways to hurt opponents.

Questions remain about the defence, particularly after some injury concerns during the build-up to the tournament, but Norway’s ability to score goals means they will be confident of reaching the knockout stages.

Qualification Prediction

France appears well-positioned to finish top of Group I. Their combination of experience, quality and squad depth sets them apart from the rest of the field.

The race for second place is likely to come down to Senegal and Norway. Senegal’s tournament experience and defensive organisation give them a slight edge, although Norway’s attacking firepower ensures the contest will be close.

Iraq enter the tournament as underdogs, but they have enough discipline and determination to challenge for points and potentially influence the final standings.

Predicted Group I Standings:

France
Senegal
Norway
Iraq

France and Senegal look the strongest candidates to progress, but with Haaland leading Norway and Iraq eager to make history, Group I could produce some of the most memorable matches of the tournament.