Which teams are in Group I at the World Cup 2026?

Group I contains France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway. Each team plays the other three once during the group stage.

How does Group I qualification work?

The top two finishers in Group I qualify automatically for the round of 32. The eight best third-placed teams across all 12 groups also advance.

When are the Group I matches played?

All 6 Group I fixtures are listed below with date, kickoff time and host stadium across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

What are the points rules for Group I?

Standard FIFA scoring applies: 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss. Tiebreakers: points, goal difference, goals scored, then head-to-head.

All teams & groups

FIFA World Cup 2026

Group I

France's coronation route — and Norway's debut

Group I is on paper an easy draw for France, but Senegal carry African heavyweight status and Norway make their first World Cup since 1998 with Erling Haaland leading the line. Iraq complete the field on the back of an excellent Asian qualification.

Who advances

France are heavy favourites; Norway and Senegal will fight for second. Iraq are the outsider.

Tactical clash

France's 4-3-3 around Kylian Mbappé against Senegal's high-pressing 4-3-3 around Sadio Mané is one of the tournament's marquee matchups. Norway revolve around getting the ball to Haaland; Iraq are a compact counter-attacking side.

Market view

France are around 1.30 to top the group and 5.00 to win the tournament. Norway and Senegal are roughly even for second.

Team-by-team Group I breakdown

France

Storyline. 2022 finalists with the deepest forward pool in world football. Generation peak with Mbappé, Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Saliba and the new wave around them.

Key player. Kylian Mbappé — captain, two-time World Cup top scorer and the favourite for the Golden Boot.

Prediction. Group winner is the floor; final the realistic ceiling; a third star is on the cards.

Senegal

Storyline. AFCON 2021 champions and quarter-finalists from a deep cycle. Squad blends Premier League and Ligue 1 spines.

Key player. Sadio Mané — still the talisman and the captain, even after his move to the Saudi Pro League.

Prediction. Second place is the median; a Round-of-16 win is realistic.

Norway

Storyline. First men's World Cup since France 1998. Generation built around Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard — possibly the best two Norwegian players ever simultaneously.

Key player. Erling Haaland — Premier League's most prolific scorer of the cycle and the favourite to challenge Mbappé for the Golden Boot.

Prediction. Third place is the median; a best-third spot is firmly in play; second place is not crazy.

Iraq

Storyline. Sixth World Cup appearance and the most underrated Asian qualification of the cycle. A young squad with a clear identity under Spanish coach Jesús Casas.

Key player. Ali Al-Hamadi — the AFC Bournemouth-developed forward leads the line.

Prediction. Bottom of the group is the median — a point against Senegal would be a great achievement.

Group I standings & points table

Live World Cup 2026 Group I table — wins, draws, losses, goals for and against, goal difference and points. Updated by the Cup26 editorial team after every match. FIFA scoring: 3 pts for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss.