World Cup 2026 Group I, Teams, Fixtures, Standings and Analysis

Group I feels like one of the hardest sections in the tournament because France, Senegal, and Norway all have serious quality. Iraq then add a fourth side with enough emotion and resilience to complicate the race.

That mix makes this group difficult from top to bottom. Even third place may require a strong points total.

France enter Group I as favorites. France bring the deepest squad ceiling in Group I and the recent tournament record to match it. They still look like the side every other team in the section will measure itself against.

That makes them the rightful favorites, but the group around them is strong enough to punish any drop in focus. They need to take control early.

Senegal enter Group I as serious challengers. Senegal bring athletic power, big-match experience, and enough composure to stay close to elite teams. They have already shown they belong in difficult World Cup sections.

That profile gives them a real chance of top-two qualification. If they manage the key duels well, they can make this group very uncomfortable for everyone.

Iraq enter Group I as emotional outsiders. Iraq reached the tournament through the intercontinental playoff path and arrive with momentum and belief. Their qualification story already gives them emotional strength in a hard group.

They may not control many matches, but they can still make them tense. That keeps them relevant in the third-place race from the start.

Norway enter Group I as high-upside dark horses. Norway give Group I another serious attacking threat and make this one of the most dangerous sections in the draw. Their ceiling is good enough to trouble any favorite on the right day.

That makes them the true dark horse for first or second. If they take something from France, the entire group could open up.