Group I
Group I is France's group — the 2018 world champions face Senegal, Norway and an intercontinental playoff winner. Erling Haaland's Norway makes their mark in a star-studded group. Get AI-powered win probability and match analysis for every Group I fixture.
Group I features one of the strongest favourites in the entire tournament — France, the 2018 World Cup champions who came agonisingly close to retaining the title in 2022 (losing the final to Argentina on penalties). France have a remarkable depth of talent with world-class players across every position, making them perhaps the most complete squad at the 2026 World Cup.
Senegal are the African Cup of Nations champions and 2022 quarter-finalists, bringing organised, physical football and genuine quality. Norway are the most intriguing qualifier in the group — built around Erling Haaland, the world's most prolific striker, and making a major tournament appearance that their generation has long deserved. The intercontinental playoff winner completes a group packed with storylines.
France are stacked with talent that would be first-choice selections for almost any other national team. Kylian Mbappé leads an attack of devastating pace and creativity, supported by world-class midfielders and a solid defensive unit. France's squad depth means they can rotate in the group stage without weakening significantly — a significant advantage in a 104-match tournament.
Erling Haaland has broken scoring records at Manchester City and is the most feared striker in world football entering 2026. Norway's World Cup qualification is built around service to Haaland and a disciplined defensive structure. A Haaland-inspired Norway is capable of taking points from any team — and Haaland vs the French defence is one of the tournament's most anticipated individual matchups.
France are overwhelming favourites to win Group I. Their squad depth, tactical flexibility and quality across every position make them the clear group favourites. The only realistic threat to France topping the group would be a major tactical surprise from Senegal or Norway, which is unlikely given France's experience.
Norway's World Cup run depends on Erling Haaland's form and whether the rest of the squad can support him. If Norway advance from Group I — which is challenging but achievable — Haaland's match-winning ability makes them dangerous in knockout stage single-match football. A quarter-final run would be an extraordinary achievement for Norwegian football.
France have the squad quality to become the first team since Brazil (1958 and 1962) to win back-to-back World Cups. Their 2022 final performance showed they can compete at the highest level under the most intense pressure. A fit and motivated France squad with full firepower attacking into 2026 is the tournament's most complete overall package.