Group I at the 2026 World Cup looks like one of the tournament’s most intriguing groups. France arrive as the favourites, but Norway, Senegal and Iraq all have reasons to believe they can make an impact.
The key battle could be between Norway and Senegal. Both sides are packed with talent and have the quality to trouble any opponent. As a result, their meeting may play a major role in deciding how World Cup Group I unfolds.
Meanwhile, Iraq complete the group after an impressive qualification campaign. They start as outsiders, but the World Cup group stages often produce surprises as pressure builds.
Who is in World Cup Group I?
France arrive in North America with one of the strongest squads at the 2026 World Cup. Kylian Mbappé remains the headline name, but the quality around him is equally impressive. Players such as Ousmane Dembélé, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni and William Saliba give Didier Deschamps strength in every area of the pitch.
Norway are appearing at their first World Cup since 1998 and will travel to the tournament full of confidence. Erling Haaland offers goals at the highest level, while Martin Ødegaard provides creativity and control in midfield. Therefore, many fans view Norway as one of the most exciting teams in World Cup Group I.
Senegal have established themselves as a regular force in international football. They combine pace, power and experience, which makes them a difficult opponent in tournament football. In addition, a strong defensive structure and dangerous attacking options give them the tools to compete with every team in the group.
Iraq complete the section after a memorable qualification campaign. Although they may not have the star power of their rivals, they have built their success on organisation, discipline and team spirit. Consequently, those qualities could make them a tougher opponent than many expect during the World Cup group stage.
What are the latest World Cup Group I odds?
Odds via 10bet and correct at the time of writing.
France: 2/5 (1.40)
Norway: 11/4 (3.75)
Senegal: 8/1 (9.00)
Iraq: 40/1 (41.00)
What are the World Cup Group I fixtures?
- June 16: France vs Senegal, New Jersey Stadium
- June 16: Iraq vs Norway, Boston Stadium
- June 22: France vs Iraq, Philadelphia Stadium
- June 23: Norway vs Senegal, New Jersey Stadium
- June 26: Norway vs France, Boston Stadium
- June 26: Senegal vs Iraq, Toronto Stadium
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– World Cup Group B preview: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland
Who are the key players in World Cup Group I?
France: Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé remains the player every opponent fears. His pace, movement and ability to decide matches in a single moment make him one of the biggest stars at the 2026 World Cup.
Norway: Erling Haaland
Haaland is Norway’s biggest weapon. Few strikers in world football are as clinical inside the penalty area. Therefore, his goals could prove decisive in a group where margins are likely to be tight.
Senegal: Nicolas Jackson
Jackson gives Senegal pace, direct running and a constant threat behind opposing defences. If he finds form early in the tournament, Senegal will fancy their chances against anyone in World Cup Group I.
Iraq: Aymen Hussein
Hussein played a crucial role during qualification and remains Iraq’s main source of goals. His physical presence and finishing ability will be vital if Iraq are to spring a surprise in the group stage.
What are the best bets for World Cup Group I?
France to win World Cup Group I will attract plenty of attention. However, the odds are likely to reflect their position as one of the tournament favourites – backing them to win the whole tournament might be the better play.
A more interesting market could be Norway to qualify. With Haaland and Martin Ødegaard leading the way, they have enough attacking quality to trouble every team in the group. Furthermore, they look capable of taking valuable points from Senegal.
The Norway vs Senegal match could prove decisive. Both teams have the talent to reach the knockout rounds, making it one of the most important fixtures in World Cup Group I.
However, Senegal should not be overlooked. Their athleticism, tournament experience and defensive organisation make them a difficult side to beat, especially when matches become tense.
For a longer-priced option, Iraq to score in every group game may be worth considering. They are unlikely to dominate possession. Nevertheless, their threat on the counter-attack and from set pieces could help them find goals against stronger opponents.
Who will qualify from World Cup Group I?
- France
- Norway
- Senegal
- Iraq
France have too much quality throughout the squad not to finish top of World Cup Group I, even if this is far from a straightforward section.
Norway look well placed to challenge for second. Haaland and Ødegaard provide a cutting edge that could make the difference in the biggest matches.
That said, Senegal are more than capable of proving that prediction wrong. Their blend of athleticism, experience and organisation makes them a serious contender for a knockout-stage place.
Iraq have shown plenty of resilience to reach the tournament. However, this looks like a particularly difficult World Cup Group I for them to navigate.
Check out our other 2026 World Cup Group previews:
- – World Cup Group A preview: Mexico, South Korea, Czechia and South Africa
- – World Cup Group B preview: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland
- – World Cup Group C preview: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland and Haiti
- – World Cup Group D preview: USA, Paraguay, Australia and Turkey
- – World Cup Group E preview: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curaçao
- – World Cup Group F preview: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia
- – World Cup Group G preview: Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand
- – World Cup Group H preview: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay
- – World Cup Group J preview: Argentina, Algeria, Austria and Jordan
- – World Cup Group K preview: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia
- – World Cup Group L preview: England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama
