2026 is set to be a massive year for the FIFA World Cup, as a monumental 48 clubs will participate in this summer’s tournament. The teams will be divided into twelve groups of four for the preliminary group stage. Group I is a complex blend of pedigree and unusual talent. This will make it exceptionally fun for fans of the sport to follow. France is currently the clear favorite with its impressive squad depth and clutch performances.

However, Norway’s potent attacking game might be enough to cause a major upset. Senegal’s emphasis on unbreakable defense means they won’t go down without a daunting fight. Iraq is capable of turning the tide of a match at a moment’s notice and will undoubtedly look for opportunities until the very end. For a complete rundown of Group I matches, teams, and betting odds, read on for our full World Cup guide.

Group I Match Listing

1. Tuesday, June 16, 2026: France vs. Senegal (New York/New Jersey)
2. Tuesday, June 16, 2026: Iraq vs. Norway (Gillette Stadium)
3. Monday, June 22, 2026: France vs. Iraq (Lincoln Financial Field)
4. Monday, June 22, 2026: Norway vs. Senegal (MetLife Stadium)
5. Friday, June 26, 2026: Norway vs. France (Boston)
6. Friday, June 26, 2026: Senegal vs. Iraq (Toronto)

France World Cup Preview

France has one of the most robust squads in all of international football. On top of all the experienced veterans, the glowing reputation of the club continues to attract younger stars to the team. The result is a well-rounded unit capable of potent attacks, unyielding defense, and the ability to perform in clutch moments.

As the 2018 champions, expect France to fight until the later rounds of the knockout stage at the very least. They were merely runner-up in 2022, so coach Didier Deschamps will likely be willing to pull out all the stops to claim the crown for his nation once again.

France Most Probable Starters

Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan (AC Milan)

Defenders: Jules Koundé (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Theo Hernández (Al-Hilal)

Midfielders: Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), N’Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)

Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)

Senegal World Cup Preview

Senegal is one of Africa’s top teams right now, so they have the advantage of momentum at the start of this event. Their physical prowess and ability to organize mean no attacker will slip through their defenses without a struggle. The question is whether Senegal can hold out long enough to put some of their own goals on the scoreboard.

Senegal’s best historic performance was a quarterfinal run all the way back in 2002. Advancing past the group stage is a solid initial goal for this squad. From there, coach Pape Thiaw will have to use his best formations and hope for a few fortunate breaks on the pitch.

Senegal Most Probable Starters

Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli)

Defenders: Krepin Diatta (Monaco) – Right-back, Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal) – Center-back, Moussa Niakhate (OL Lyon) – Center-back, El Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham United) – Left-back

Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur), Lamine Camara (Monaco)

Forwards: Iliman Ndiaye (Everton), Nicolas Jackson (Bayern Munich), Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr)

Iraq World Cup Preview

Iraq is a tough squad with a lot of well-disciplined players. Although they lack the pedigree of other clubs in the group, they could easily upset any team that comes to gameday unprepared. This will only be their second World Cup appearance ever, so just reaching the group stage is already enough to celebrate.

Coach Graham Arnold excels at directing his squad during tight matches. If the score is tied late in the contest, there is a solid chance that Iraq will find an industrious way to prevail.

Iraq Most Probable Starters

Goalkeeper: Ahmed Basil (Al-Shorta)

Defenders: Hussein Ali (Right-Back, Pogoń Szczecin), Zaid Tahseen (Center-Back, Pakhtakor Tashkent), Akam Hashim (Center-Back, Al-Zawraa), Merchas Doski (Left-Back, Viktoria Plzen)

Midfielders: Ali Jasim (Right-Wing, Al-Najma SC), Amir Al-Ammari (Central/Defensive Midfield, Cracovia), Zidane Iqbal (Central/Attacking Midfield, FC Utrecht), Youssef Amyn (Left-Wing, AEK Laranca)

Forwards: Ali Al-Hamadi (Striker, Luton Town), Aymen Hussein (Striker, Al Karma SC)

Norway World Cup Preview

Norway has an extremely dangerous attacking duo that opponents will have to prioritize from minute one. They can score against any team, even Senegal’s notable defensive line. Although this is only the nation’s fourth World Cup appearance, this year’s roster looks strong enough to make it well into the knockout rounds.

Head coach Ståle Solbakken’s only main concern is the team’s overall consistency. Streaks of poor performance are typical in football, but Norway seems particularly susceptible to them. They will have to win the mental game first before they can take home any trophies.

Norway Most Probable Starters

Goalkeeper: Ørjan Nyland (Sevilla)

Defenders: Julian Ryerson (Right-Back, Borussia Dortmund), Kristoffer Ajer (Central-Back, Brentford), Torbjørn Heggem (Central-Back, Bologna), David Møller Wolfe (Left-Back, Wolves)

Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard (Central-Attacking Midfield, Arsenal FC), Sander Berge (Central/Defensive-Midfield, Fulham), Kristian Thorstvedt (Central Midfield, Sassuolo)

Forwards: Alexander Sørloth (Striker/Left-Wing, Atletico Madrid), Erling Haaland (Striker, Manchester City), Antonio Nusa (Right-Wing, RB Leipzig)

Group I Betting Odds

Across all major betting networks, France is projected to advance past the group stage without any difficulty. As per official FIFA rules, two teams from Group I are allowed to carry on. Norway has the next best chance of succeeding, followed by Senegal with a reasonable margin. The clear outlier is Iraq, which most oddsmakers have concluded will not advance to the knockout rounds in July. All that said, football is unpredictable, and anything can happen if there is still time on the clock.