2026 World Cup Group I Odds: Preview, Schedule & Standings
Get the full World Cup 2026 Group I breakdown, including teams, World Cup odds, match schedule, predictions, and key players. Updated standings and analysis throughout the tournament.
France advanced to the knockout stage as Group I winners after taking the maximum 9 points from their three matches. Norway secured second place with 6 points, earning qualification with victories over Senegal and Iraq. Senegal finished third on 3 points but advanced as one of the tournament’s best third-place teams, while Iraq exited the competition without picking up a point.
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World Cup Group I Standings
| Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | +8 | 9 |
| Norway | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +1 | 6 |
| Senegal | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +2 | 3 |
| Iraq | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -11 | 0 |
World Cup Group I Schedule
Group I teams will play their games at World Cup venues in the northeast United States along with Canada. Below is the full schedule:
Matchday 1
- Tuesday, June 16: France vs. Senegal – 3 p.m. ET (New York/New Jersey, USA)
- Tuesday, June 16: Norway vs. Iraq – 6 p.m. ET (Boston, USA)
Matchday 2
- Monday, June 22: France vs. Iraq – 5 p.m. ET (Philadelphia, USA)
- Monday, June 22: Norway vs. Senegal – 8 p.m. ET (New York/New Jersey, USA)
Matchday 3
- Friday, June 26: Norway vs. France – 3 p.m. ET (Boston, USA)
- Friday, June 26: Senegal vs. Iraq – 3 p.m. ET (Toronto, CA)
The final group matches are usually decisive, with qualification and elimination scenarios playing out simultaneously.
Key Matches to Watch
- France vs. Norway: Likely the most important match in determining the group winner
- Norway vs. Senegal: A key clash that could play a major role in deciding second place and qualification
- France vs. Senegal: A high-level matchup that could influence the overall group standings early
World Cup Group I Players to Watch
- Kylian Mbappé (France): The Paris Saint-Germain (Ligue 1) forward is one of the most dangerous attackers in world football, known for his pace, finishing, and ability to change games single-handedly.
- Erling Haaland (Norway): The Manchester City (Premier League) striker is a prolific goal scorer with physical dominance and elite finishing ability.
- Sadio Mané (Senegal): The Al Nassr (Saudi Pro League) forward brings experience, pace, and attacking quality, often leading Senegal’s offensive efforts.
- Aymen Hussein (Iraq): The Al-Shorta (Iraq Stars League) striker is a key goal threat and focal point in Iraq’s attack, capable of making an impact in tight matches.
Group I Team Profiles
Below is a closer look at each team in Group I, including how they qualified, key players, and their World Cup history.
France
France continues to be one of the most complete teams in international football, combining depth, pace, and attacking quality across the pitch. With a strong core of experienced players and emerging stars, they remain one of the favorites to win the tournament.
They will be expected to control the group and build momentum heading into the knockout stage.
- Federation: UEFA
- Key players: Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, Aurélien Tchouaméni
- World Cup history: 2018 Champion, 2022 Runners-up
Senegal
Senegal has established itself as one of Africa’s top teams, known for its physicality, defensive organization, and ability to compete with elite nations. The squad blends experience with athleticism, making it a difficult opponent in tournament play.
They will look to stay compact and capitalize on key moments to secure qualification.
- Federation: CAF
- Key players: Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ismaïla Sarr
- World Cup history: Best finish (Quarterfinalist, 2002)
Norway
Norway enters the tournament with one of the most dangerous attacking duos in international football and a team capable of scoring goals against any opponent. While consistency has been a challenge, the talent level makes them a serious threat.
They will aim to take advantage of attacking opportunities and remain competitive throughout the group stage.
- Federation: UEFA
- Key players: Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard, Alexander Sørloth
- World Cup history: Fourth appearance, two Round of 16 appearances (1938, 1998)
Iraq
Iraq enters the tournament as a disciplined and hard-working side that can be difficult to break down. While they may not carry the same expectations as some of their group rivals, they are capable of staying organized defensively and competing in tight matches.
They will look to remain compact, limit scoring opportunities, and capitalize on key moments in transition.
- Federation: AFC
- Key players: Aymen Hussein, Ali Adnan, Amjad Attwan
- World Cup history: Second appearance
World Cup Group I Predictions
Here’s our best bet for Group I in the upcoming World Cup:
France to win World Cup ()
France is one of the most complete teams in the tournament and deserves its place near the top of the outright betting market. With world-class talent across the pitch and a proven track record of making deep runs at major tournaments, Les Bleus have all the tools needed to compete for another World Cup title.
While backing a tournament favorite rarely delivers huge value, France remains one of the safest outright options available. If Didier Deschamps’ side can navigate the knockout rounds without a difficult early matchup, they have every chance of lifting the trophy in 2026.
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