FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I Preview: Kylian Mbappé hoping to go one better as fascinating Erling Haaland matchup looms
Few groups offer as much star power as Group I. France arrive as one of the tournament favorites and will be desperate to erase the pain of their dramatic defeat to Argentina in the 2022 final. Norway bring one of the world’s most feared strikers in Erling Haaland, while Senegal will hope to channel memories of their famous victory over France in 2002.
Iraq complete the group and, despite being outsiders, will believe they are capable of causing an upset after navigating a difficult road to qualification.
France: Two-time champions eye another shot at glory
French football has never lacked talent. Consistency, however, has often been another matter.
Les Bleus lifted the World Cup on home soil in 1998 only to crash out in the group stage four years later. They recovered to reach the 2006 final before suffering another early exit in 2010. Since Didier Deschamps took charge, though, France have become one of the most reliable teams in international football.
World Cup winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, they have remained contenders at every major tournament. This will also be Deschamps’ final World Cup in charge, adding extra motivation as he looks to end a remarkable era on the highest possible note.
The attacking options are frightening. Kylian Mbappé remains the headline act, but Désiré Doué, Rayan Cherki, and Ousmane Dembélé provide pace, creativity, and unpredictability. At the back, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, and Jules Koundé form one of the strongest defensive units in the competition.
France have the squad to win the tournament. The challenge is turning potential into silverware once again.
Player to watch: Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé almost dragged France to glory single-handedly in the 2022 final and remains the man opponents fear most. After scoring 42 goals for Real Madrid during the 2025-26 season, he arrives in North America at the peak of his powers. If France go deep into the tournament, chances are Mbappé will be the reason why.
Norway: Erling Haaland leads the Vikings’ raid
For the first time since 1998, Norway are back at the World Cup. Their qualification campaign left little doubt that they deserved to be there.
The Vikings scored 37 goals on their way to North America, with Erling Haaland leading the charge. Yet despite the excitement surrounding the squad, questions remain over head coach Ståle Solbakken. Since taking charge in 2020, he failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 before finally ending Norway’s long wait for a major tournament appearance.
There is no shortage of talent. Martin Ødegaard remains the creative heartbeat of the team, Alexander Sørloth offers a physical presence in attack, and youngster Antonio Nusa could emerge as one of the breakout stars of the tournament.
What makes Norway particularly dangerous is their balance. While the attack grabs headlines, they conceded just five goals during qualification. That defensive solidity may be what ultimately determines how far they go.
Player to watch: Erling Haaland
The World Cup has long been the missing piece in Haaland’s story. After winning another Premier League Golden Boot with 27 goals for Manchester City, he finally gets the opportunity to showcase his talents on football’s biggest stage. Few players can change a game as quickly as Haaland, and Norway will need him at his ruthless best.
Senegal: The Lions of Teranga dreaming of another famous run
Senegal arrive at their third consecutive World Cup carrying both confidence and controversy.
Their 2025 AFCON triumph generated headlines for reasons beyond football, but the tournament reinforced the depth of talent available to Pape Thiaw. Since taking charge, the coach has overseen a team that looks increasingly comfortable balancing experience with youth.
The Lions of Teranga were unbeaten during qualification and appear far more comfortable on the international stage than they did a decade ago. Veterans Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly continue to provide leadership, while Nicolas Jackson and Ismaïla Sarr offer pace and directness in attack. Behind them, Idrissa Gana Gueye remains the midfield enforcer capable of disrupting even the strongest opponents.
France and Norway may attract more attention, but Senegal have enough quality to challenge both.
Player to watch: Ismaïla Sarr
Sarr has become one of the most dangerous attacking players in African football. The Crystal Palace winger played a major role in the club’s recent successes, helping them lift the FA Cup and UEFA Europa Conference League.
He scored nine Premier League goals and finished as the Conference League’s leading scorer with nine more. His ability to run at defenders and create chaos could be vital to Senegal’s hopes.
Iraq: A World Cup return that could ignite a nation
Almost four decades after their only previous World Cup appearance, Iraq are back.
The road to North America was anything but easy. Iraq battled through a demanding qualifying campaign before overcoming Bolivia in the intercontinental playoffs to secure their place at the tournament. That journey alone has hardened a squad that will not be intimidated by the challenge ahead.
Head coach Graham Arnold knows what it takes to compete at a World Cup after guiding Australia to the Round of 16 in Qatar. He has built a side that values discipline, work ethic, and resilience above all else.
Aymen Hussein will spearhead the attack, while Ali Al-Hamadi and Zidane Iqbal offer technical quality and creativity. Iraq may lack the star names of their group rivals, but they possess the kind of collective spirit that can make life difficult for anyone.
Player to watch: Aymen Hussein
Hussein was Iraq’s leading scorer during qualification, finding the net nine times, including the decisive goal against Bolivia. Strong in the air and clinical inside the box, he perfectly suits Iraq’s direct approach. Opportunities may be limited in this group, making his finishing all the more important.
