World Cup 2026 Group I Preview: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway

A lot of folks are trying to draw attention to themselves by saying France could finish second or third in the "real" group of death at the 2026 World Cup. And while Group I is going to be tough, France should take care of business. The more interesting battle will be between the three other teams, and who takes the second spot.

I'm convinced Senegal have enough, but the Vikings of Norway bring Odegaard and Braut Haaland and young Antonio Nusa. Iraq is no pushover, and come in with some semblance of form, having beaten Bolivia in March, and drew Spain in June. Here's what to know.

France (Les Bleus)

Coach Didier Deschamps

Hot take. Deschamps gets the deep run he wants for his farewell, but France fall in the semifinals.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "France are the second-favorites to win the entire World Cup, yet only the sixth-most-likely to reach the round of 32."

Word from home. Coverage from home was focused on Didier Deschamps's farewell:

"to finish in style." Foot Mercato

The story. The team is stacked on paper, Mbappe, Dembele, Cherki, Doue, Saliba, Zaire-Emery, Barcola, Tchouaméni. It goes on. That's it, that's the story.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer makes France favorites to top Group I at 60.2 percent, and second-favorites to win the tournament at 13.0 percent.

One thing to read. The Significance of Football in the Fight over What Is France, Aeon (2016)

Senegal (Lions de la Teranga)

Coach Pape Thiaw

Hot take. The most talented team nobody is calling a dark horse. Senegal have the squad to take second (or better).

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "Senegal reached the quarterfinals on their World Cup debut in 2002, beating reigning champions France in the opening game, and they arrive in 2026 as one of the highest-ranked African teams in the world."

Word from home. Coach Pape Thiaw, the 2025 AFCON finalist who replaced Aliou Cissé, on the 26 he named:

"a well-thought-out, balanced list." Pape Thiaw, FIFA

The story. Almost the entirety of Senegal's team play in Europe, from Ndiaye at Everton, to Nicolas Jackson at Bayern, and Pape Sarr at Spurs. They are players regularly steeled against the highest competition.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer gives Senegal a 62.0% chance of reaching the knockouts, third in the group behind France and Norway.

One thing to read. Lions in the Rain, Africa Is a Country (2026).

Iraq (Lions of Mesopotamia)

Coach Graham Arnold

Hot take. Back at the World Cup and dropped right into the group of death.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "Iraq are back at the World Cup after a 40 year drought."

Word from home. Iraqi coverage is framed around the country's support:

"amid huge popular ambitions." Youm7

The story. The last time Iraq were in a World Cup was the same year Top Gun was released. Lots of young talent on this team that was trained through various high-level systems around the world. It won't be another 40 years for the Lions.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer gives Iraq a 27.1 percent chance of the round of 32, the clear outsiders in the group of death.

One thing to read. Wars, Sanctions, and Punishments: Iraq's 40-Year Wait, BBC Sport (2026).

Norway (Landslaget)

Coach Ståle Solbakken

Hot take. I have no hot take for Norway because they are one of the most mysterious teams at the World Cup. They have talent, but how good will they be?

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "Norway won all eight of their qualifiers, scored 37 goals and beat Italy twice to reach a World Cup."

Word from home. Coach Ståle Solbakken, on Norway's return to the big show:

"We believe we have a powerful squad." Ståle Solbakken, Norges Fotballforbund

The story. Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard's first World Cup. That's the real story. Both men have reached the top of the Premier League. Now they'll try their hand on the international stage.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer makes Norway 82.3% to advance, second only to France.

One thing to read. Twenty Years of Chasing Shadows for the Norwegian National Team, These Football Times, (2016).

Group I: Fixtures to watch / predictions

Fixtures to watch.

• Tue, Jun 16: France vs Senegal, 3:00 p.m. ET (FOX / Telemundo)
• Mon, Jun 22: France vs Iraq, 5:00 p.m. ET (FOX / Telemundo)
• Mon, Jun 22: Norway vs Senegal, 8:00 p.m. ET (FOX / Telemundo)
• Fri, Jun 26: Norway vs France, 3:00 p.m. ET (FOX / Telemundo)

The call.