The French national team, reigning world runners-up and aspiring to regain the throne they conquered at Russia 2018, will be looking to endorse their status as favorites in the tournament’s group of death, where Norway and Senegal can cause a surprise and Iraq is a lesser-ranked opponent that was able to draw against Spain in the last friendly.
Group I, the highest-ranked FIFA group in the entire 2026 World Cup, will provide a tough opening test for a France side expected to reach the final rounds on the back of Kylian Mbappé, who is within reach of becoming the top scorer in World Cup history, with Leo Messi’s permission.
France relies on its offensive power
This will be the last World Cup for France coach Didier Deschamps, who will be counting on an enviable roster of players.
With attackers such as Rayan Cherki, Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué, Marcus Thuram, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé.
After leaving out Randal Kolo Muani, in a list that also does not include Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.
France’s World Cup debut will be against Senegal, the reigning African champions on the pitch.
Which was finally relegated to runner-up after the Africa Cup of Nations awarded the title to Morocco through administrative channels (Filed as: Group I World Cup 2026).
Teranga Lions come in with a balanced team
The Teranga Lions, coached by Pape Thiaw, combine a squad with players in the midst of soccer maturity.
Such as Nicolas Jackson or Pape Gueye along with veteran symbols of the country such as center-back Kalidou Koulibaly or striker Sadio Mané.
Both playing in the Saudi Arabian league at the age of 34 (Filed under: Group I World Cup 2026).
Norway returns 28 years later with big ambitions
Norway, who finished ahead of Italy in the European qualifiers scoring an average of almost five goals per game, will be the big threat to France and Senegal.
Ståle Solbakken ‘s team returns to the World Cup 28 years later.
From the hand of a golden generation led by Martin Ødegaard, Alexander Sørloth and Erling Haaland.
The Manchester City player, the most fearsome center forward in the world, is the undisputed leader of the team.
The country’s all-time leading scorer and averages more than one goal per game with the national team.
The Haaland-Mbappé clash that will close the final day of the group represents the battle of an entire generation (Filed under: Group I World Cup 2026).
Iraq arrives without pressure and eager to surprise
Iraq, a priori Cinderella, completes the group.
Coached by Australian Graham Arnold, who already has World Cup experience after leading his native country to Qatar 2022, the Asian team starts as the least likely team in the group.
But he arrives with nothing to lose.
Norway and Senegal could spring a surprise
QuéOnnda.com
The Iraqi team played the most qualifiers (21) and was the last to qualify for the World Cup.
This after beating Bolivia 2-1 in the international playoff in Monterrey.
It was precisely in Mexico 1986 that his only participation in the World Cup to date took place.
The result was three narrow defeats.
On Wednesday, they were able to earn a 1-1 draw against Spain in Riazor.
Although Luis de la Fuente lined up many players who will not be in the World Cup (Filed as: Group I World Cup 2026).
With information from EFE
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