Group I
Standings, fixtures, scenarios, and group predictor
France's transition era begins
Didier Deschamps stays despite Euro 2024 disappointment, but this feels like a last dance. Mbappé remains the focal point, but midfield questions linger — Camavinga and Tchouaméni must step up. Their opener against Iraq in Seattle is a must-win before facing Senegal's aerial threat.
Senegal's revenge tour
Eliminated by England in 2022's Round of 16, Sadio Mané's generation gets another shot. Kalidou Koulibaly anchors a defense that conceded just twice in AFCON 2025 qualifying. Their June 14 clash with France in Vancouver could decide the group's hierarchy.
Haaland or bust for Norway
Qualified via playoffs after missing Euro 2024, Norway's entire system funnels through Erling Haaland. Martin Ødegaard's creativity must compensate for a shaky defense — their opener against Senegal in Boston is critical. Lose there, and third place becomes the target.
Iraq's dark horse potential
First World Cup since 1986, Iraq stunned Asia by topping their qualifying group ahead of South Korea. Striker Aymen Hussein scored 8 in qualifying, but their 3-5-2 system risks being overrun by France's width. A point against Norway would be historic.
Standings
Fixtures
| Match | Date | Group | Score | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 France vs  SenegalEstadio New York/New Jersey | Tue, Jun 16, 2026 · 20:00 ET | i | – | Scheduled |
 Iraq vs  NorwayEstadio Boston | Tue, Jun 16, 2026 · 23:00 ET | i | – | Scheduled |
| France vs IraqEstadio Philadelphia | Mon, Jun 22, 2026 · 22:00 ET | i | – | Scheduled |
| Norway vs SenegalEstadio New York/New Jersey | Tue, Jun 23, 2026 · 01:00 ET | i | – | Scheduled |
| Norway vs FranceEstadio Boston | Fri, Jun 26, 2026 · 20:00 ET | i | – | Scheduled |
| Senegal vs IraqEstadio Toronto | Fri, Jun 26, 2026 · 20:00 ET | i | – | Scheduled |
Qualification rules
Top two in Group I advance to the Round of 32. Third place enters the pool of twelve third-placed teams; the best eight on points, goal difference, and goals scored join the knockout bracket.
Scenarios
Use the predictor below to test scorelines. A win is three points, a draw one. Goal difference matters when points are level.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Group I playing?+
Matches split between Seattle (Lumen Field), Vancouver (BC Place), and Boston (Gillette Stadium). France vs Senegal is in Vancouver on June 14.
Can Norway advance with Haaland?+
Realistically fighting for third place. They need at least 4 points — likely a win over Iraq and a draw vs Senegal or France.
How did Iraq qualify?+
Topped Asian Group F with 7 wins from 10, including a 2-1 upset over South Korea in Basra last November.
What's Senegal's World Cup record?+
Reached Round of 16 in 2002 and 2022. Never lost a group stage opener (3 wins, 1 draw).
When was France's last group stage exit?+
2002 — defending champions, finished last with 1 point. Deschamps was captain that tournament.