Group I looks like one of the strongest groups at the 2026 World Cup, with France, Senegal, Iraq and Norway all bringing very different challenges.
France will arrive as the clear favourites and one of the teams expected to go deep into the tournament, but this is not a group they can take lightly.
Senegal have the physicality, tournament know-how and forward options to cause problems, while Norway bring a golden generation led by Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. Iraq look like the underdogs, but they will know this is the kind of group where one result can change everything.
World Cup Group I guide
France
France should be expected to top Group I. They have tournament experience, elite depth and the strongest forward line at the whole World Cup — one of the best ever.
Kylian Mbappe is still the headline act. Around him, France have an almost ridiculous number of attacking options.
Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, Marcus Thuram, Rayan Cherki and Jean-Philippe Mateta all give Didier Deschamps different ways to hurt teams.
There may still be questions over how France fit everyone together, but that is a better problem than most nations have. With Deschamps heading into his final tournament, this squad has every reason to believe another deep run is coming.
Senegal
Senegal have recent tournament pedigree, strong qualifying form and a squad filled with players who are used to competing at a high European level.
Their forward line gives them real power. Sadio Mane, Iliman Ndiaye and Nicolas Jackson all bring different qualities.
In midfield, Senegal have experience and strength, but Lamine Camara could be the player to watch. He has the profile of someone who could use this World Cup to push himself toward a major move.
Senegal are not just awkward. They are a dangerous side, and will be extra hungry after the circus that was the 2026 AFCON Final.
Iraq
Iraq will be the outsiders in Group I, but that does not mean they should be dismissed. Their challenge is simply much bigger than anyone else’s.
Against France, they will likely spend long spells without the ball. Against Senegal, they will have to match physical intensity. Against Norway, they will need to manage one of the most dangerous strikers in world football.
If Iraq can stay compact, avoid early goals and turn games into low-scoring contests, they may be able to frustrate someone. But in a group with this much attacking quality, they will need everything to go right.
Norway
Norway may be one of the most interesting teams at the tournament.
Haaland gives them a world-class finisher, Odegaard gives them control and creativity, and there is a young group around them ready to make an impact.
Their qualifying campaign was hugely impressive, with many now talking them up as dark horses. Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb add wide threat, while the back line looks more settled than previous Norway teams.
If Haaland can go on a heater for a few games — which he is known to do sometimes — this could be an extremely successful return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.
Predicting Group I at the World Cup
Let’s get the obvious ones out of the way. Well, it at least looks obvious that Iraq will sit at the foot of this group. They could hardly have had a worse draw.
Tournament football can provide shocking moments, but I’d still feel pretty good about placing France first.
So it’s Senegal vs Norway.
The AFCON runners-up have more experience in this high-stakes environment and better depth, while Norway have the star-power and form. Almost at the toss of a coin, I’ll take Norway to finish second, Senegal third (on goal difference).
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