World Cup 2026 – Group I guide: France, Norway and the dangerous Senegal... is this our 'Group of Death'?

If you like World Cup memories, there is no one better than Group I. Senegal's victory over France in the 2002 World Cup is an iconic turning point and one of the biggest upsets of the competition. Twenty-four years later a rematch is one of the group's matches. But the Norwegian paddlers, who made Group I a washed-up blockbuster, can still be seen as the tournament's Group of Death in the 48-team World Cup.Coming back to the World Cup for the first time and with Erling Hald there is a superstar who can take the very promising generation to new heights. France, champions in 2018 and 2022, have entered the last two finals, with a heavy offense alongside Kylian Ambappe and Osmanne Dembele. Senegal's golden generation has technically won two of the last three African Cups; while this is not a consensus, the lions' ability and paddish of Terengganucannot be ignored. Group I fixtures (BST at all times) June 16, 8pm: France 3-1 Senegal, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey June 16, 11pm: Iraq 1-4 Norway, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough June 22, 10pm: France 3-0 Iraq, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia June 23, 1am: Norway 3-2 Senegal, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey June 26, 8pm: France against Norway, Gillette Stadium, Foxboro June 26, 11pm: Iraq against Senegal, BMO Field, Toronto **France** What is the meaning of French firepower? Because there is a lot in this les Blues Squad. But let's not value it too much, France had scored just four goals at Euro 2024 and only one of them was from an open game, in the 2-1 semi-final against champions Spain. Kylian Ambappe had stopped with a broken nose, and Didier Deschamps' technique was considered too compact and restrictive. This will be the last time Deschamps becomes coach of France, having won the 2018won the World Cup and gained access to the finals in the queue. How do they get the balance right this time? There has been an arrangement in France since Euro 2024, thanks to the success of Paris Saint-Germain. Osmanne Dembele's development to win the Ballon d 'Or added another pioneer. Then Digier Duy, Michael Olyze, Ryan Cherkey... techniques, dribbling, style. Getting it right, France can be extremely struggling. Deschamps will have a shortage of retired Antoine Griezmann, whowas prominent in the last World Cup due to his lucrative work. N'Golo Kante, 35, will have to keep the midfield together and be accompanied by Aurelian Tucumeni, who has a notable talent from Real Madrid partner Eduardo Kamawinga who can leave France a little lighter in the middle. If Deschamps doesn't get his formula right, it could be a decision that leaves him behind. **Squad:** Goalkeepers: Mike Myagan (AC Milan), Robin Riser (Lance), Bris Samba (Rain). Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), Ibrahima Conte (Liverpool), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), Jules Kund (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Byron Munich). Midfielders: N'Golo Kante (Fenerbahce), Manu Corner (Roma), Adrian Robiot (AC Milan), Aurelian Tucumeni (Real Madrid), WarrenXair-Emerie (Paris Saint Germain). Forwards: Magnus Aquilech (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain), Ryan Cherkey (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Digire Duay (Paris Saint-Germain), Michael Oles (Byron Munich), Kylian Ambappay (Real Madrid), Jane-Philippe Mata (Crystal Palace), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan). **Star player:** Kylian Ambapay. Just 27 years old, and by scoring 12 goals in 14 appearances, Ambapay was prompted to return to that tournamentwill be what determines his career so far. Although his last two seasons with Real Madrid were not easy, his goal scoring rate has been better, he feels he has a lot to prove this summer. **Breakout talent:** Digier Doe. The winger was playing in the Under-19 Euro two years ago when France reached the semi-finals at Euro 2024. He is now likely to be part of a star-studded attack. **FIFA rankings:** 1. **The World CupConsequences of winning:** 5/1, through the best betting sites. **Senegal** The Rabat standoff, though still unresolved, remains a city on the Senegalese soil. With Senegal winning the second African Cup of Nations in the last four years, Senegal made its mark, but the decision to crown Morocco champions by reversing the outcome of the final established an unfinished operation for the Terranga Lions. With our help a number of new talents, such as Everton's Illiman River, the Ismailia Summary of Crystal Palace, and Sunderland's Habib Diarra, have an experience, stableLast year, Senegal became the first African team to beat England 3-1. **Squad:** Goalkeepers: Edouard Mandy (Al-Ahly), Yehwan Duf (Nice), Mori Dia (Lehware). Defenders: Krappin Dieta (Monaco), Antoine Mandy (Nice), Abdulle Sack (Maccabi Hafa), Kalidou Kolibali (Al-Hilal), Ile Kamara (Anderlecht), Musa Nyakhate (Lyon), Mamdo Sarr (Chelsea), El-Hadji Malik Duf (West Ham United), Mustafa Mabo (Paris FC), Ismail Jacobs (Galatasaray). Midfielders: Idrissa Guy (Everton), Habib Diarra (Sunderland), Papay Matar Sar (Tottenham), Papay Guy (Villarreal)Lamin Kamara (Monaco), Pathay Sis (Rayo Velcino), Bara Nadia (Byron Munikh). Forwards: Sadio Mane (Al-Nasr), Bomba Deyang (Lorient), Illyman Nadiay (Everton), Nicolas Jackson (Byron Munich), Asan Deo (Como), Ibrahim Mabay (Paris Saint-Germain), Cherif Nadiay (Samson), Ismailia Sar (Crystal Palace). **Star player:** Sadio Mane. Praised for his leadership, when he persuaded Senegal to return to the pitch during the final of the African Cup of Nations. Mane to play in FIFA World CupDecided to do it again. **Breakout Talent:** Mamdo Summary. The 20-year-old central defender replaced Kalidou Kolibali during the final of the African Cup of Nations, but he was outstanding and is the future of Senegal's defence. **FIFA rankings:** 14. ** Effects of winning the World Cup:** 150/1. **Norway** Norway's all-black away kit sends a hidden message ahead of the World Cup. According to the maker of Nike, the all-black variant is "inspired by Viking warriors, reflecting the fierce spirit of Norway." This may be true, but the second explanation is that Norway is the dark horse for this World Cup. Their first World Cup will be in 28 years, but with Erling Haled Jesse a striker Norway cannot be placed in this category? 55 goals 49The goal-earning rate of halls in sports is 16 goals. **Squad:** Goalkeepers: Orgen Haskejold Nile (Seville), Egil Selwick (Watford), Sanders Tengwick (Hamburg). Defenders: Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund), Marcus Holmgren Pederson (Torino), David Molerwolf (Wolves), Frederick Bijkan (Bodo/Glimpse), Christopher Eger (Brentford), Torbjorn Hegum (Bologna), Leo Scerri Ostegaard (Genoa), Sondre Langas (Derby), Henrik Falchen (Viking). Midfielders: Martin Oddgard (Arsenal), Sanders Berge (Fulham), Frederick Aursnes (Benfica), PatrickBerg (Bodo/Glimpse), Christian Thorstvet (Sassuolo), Morton Thorsby (Cremonese), Thelo Asgard (Rangers). Forwards: Erling Hald (Manchester City), Alexander Sorleuth (Atlantico Madrid), Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Oscar Bob (Fulham), Andrews Sheldrep (Benfica), Janus Peter Hogg (Bodo/Glimpse). **Star players:** Arranging halls. Expectations will be high as the 25-year-old striker prepares for his World Cup debut. of his goal-scoringCapacity is dangerous. **Breakout talent:** Antonio Nusa. The 21-year-old winger has been contemplating from some clubs in Europe. **FIFA rankings:** 31. ** Effects of winning the World Cup:** 33/1. **Iraq** Iraq created the World Cup as it defeated Bolivia, the first time in 40 years. The challenge for Australian coach Graham Arnold is to get the same at the 2022 World Cup. **Squad:** Goalkeepers: Fahad Talib (Al Talba), Jalal Hasan (Al Jawara), Ahmad Basil (Al Shorta). Defenders: Hussain Ali (Pogon Shazine), Manaf Eunis (Al Shorta), Ahmad Yahya (Al Shorta), Mustafa Sadoun (Al Shorta), Zaid Tahsin (Paktakor), Rebin Sulaka (Port), Akam Hashim (Al Jawara), Merchant Doski (Victoria Plzan), Zaid Ismail (Al Talba), France Potteros (Persia). Midfielders: Amir Al-Amri (Krakow), Kevin Jacob (Aarhus GF), Zidan Iqbal (Utrecht), Aimar Lion (Sarpsburg)Ibrahim Baish (Al Dhafra), Ahmad Qasim (Nashville), Yusuf Amin (Ek Laranka), Marco Farzi (Venezuela). Forwards: Ali Jasim (Al Najma), Ali Al-Hamadi (Luton), Ali Yusuf (Al Talba), Ayman Hossain (Al Karma), Mohanad Ali (Dibba). **Star player:** Ali al-Hamadi. He is the first Iraqi player to play in the Premier League. **Breakout talent:** Zidane confession. The former Manchester United academy graduate now plays for Utrecht on the Dutch side. **FIFA Ranking:** 57. ** of winning the World CupImpact:** 2000/1. **Group I forecast:** France will keep the group at the top, but will lose one game. Norway will score at least one goal in each match and will face Senegal for second place. --- ## Related Articles 1. [Cristiano Ronaldo Sets New World Cup Records with Brace](https://pitchpulsemedia.com/en/news/cristiano-ronaldo-sets-new-world-cup-records-with-brace) 2. [FIFA Revokes Accreditation of Paraguayan Commentator at World Cup](https://pitchpulsemedia.com/en/news/fifa-revokes-accreditation-of-paraguayan-commentator-at-world-cup)