Group I World Cup 2026 features world number one France, Senegal, Norway, and Iraq. The group runs June 16 to 26. France open against Senegal in New Jersey.
Here is the bottom line. France are the heavy favorite. Norway and Senegal should battle for second. Iraq are the underdogs in a strong group.
Below you get the full schedule with ET kickoff times, live standings, and results. You also see how to watch every Group I game in the US.
Group I World Cup 2026 Teams
Four teams make up Group I, and it is a tough one. France bring the deepest squad at the tournament. Senegal and Norway carry real quality, and Iraq return after a long absence.
| Team | Confederation | FIFA Ranking | How They Qualified | Best World Cup Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | UEFA | 1 | European qualifying | Champions (1998, 2018) |
| Senegal | CAF | 14 | African qualifying | Quarter-finals (2002) |
| Norway | UEFA | 31 | European qualifying | Round of 16 (1998) |
| Iraq | AFC | 57 | Inter-confederation play-off | Group stage |
FIFA rankings reflect the April 2026 list. The next update lands June 9.
You can see the full roster for each nation here:
- France World Cup squad 2026
- Senegal World Cup squad 2026
- Norway World Cup squad 2026
- Iraq World Cup squad 2026
Group I World Cup 2026 Schedule
Group I plays six matches over two weeks. France face Senegal in the opener. The final two matches kick off at the same time on June 26.
All times below are Eastern Time (ET).
| Date | Match | Kickoff (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, June 16 | France vs Senegal | 3:00 p.m. | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford |
| Tue, June 16 | Iraq vs Norway | 6:00 p.m. | Gillette Stadium, Boston |
| Mon, June 22 | France vs Iraq | 5:00 p.m. | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia |
| Mon, June 22 | Norway vs Senegal | 8:00 p.m. | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford |
| Fri, June 26 | Norway vs France | 3:00 p.m. | Gillette Stadium, Boston |
| Fri, June 26 | Senegal vs Iraq | 3:00 p.m. | BMO Field, Toronto |
Group I plays mostly in the US Northeast, across New Jersey, Boston, and Philadelphia. The one match outside the US is Senegal vs Iraq in Toronto, Canada, on the final day. The two June 26 games kick off together.
Want the full picture? See the Full World Cup 2026 Fixtures for all 104 matches.
World Cup 2026 Group I Standings
The standings below update live as results come in. The top two teams advance, plus the best third-placed team can reach the round of 32.
- Possible qualification (best 8 third-placed teams advance)
- Eliminated from tournament
FIFA changed the tiebreakers for 2026. If teams finish level on points, head-to-head results now come first. The order is head-to-head points, then head-to-head goal difference, then head-to-head goals scored. If teams are still level, FIFA uses overall goal difference, then overall goals scored, then the fair play record, and finally the FIFA ranking.
Group I Results
Group I results post here after each match.
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France
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Iraq
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Norway
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Senegal
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| 1 | France | ||||
| 2 | Iraq | ||||
| 3 | Norway | ||||
| 4 | Senegal |
Ready to watch? See our complete World Cup 2026 live streaming guide.
Who Will Win Group I?
France are the heavy favorite. They rank 1st, won the World Cup in 1998 and 2018, and reached the 2022 final. Coach Didier Deschamps leads a loaded squad around Kylian Mbappé in his final tournament. Topping the group looks likely.
Norway and Senegal should fight for second. Norway lean on Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, while Senegal bring pace and power.
Iraq are the outsiders. Back at the World Cup after 40 years, they will aim to compete and spring a surprise.
FAQ About Group I World Cup 2026
Is 2026 Norway’s first World Cup in a long time?
Yes. Norway return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, ending a 28-year absence. It is also Erling Haaland’s first World Cup. The Manchester City striker scored 16 goals in qualifying, and with Martin Ødegaard alongside him, Norway arrive as a real threat to finish second in Group I.
How did Iraq qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Iraq came through the inter-confederation play-off, beating Bolivia 2-1 to claim one of the final places. It ended a long wait. The 2026 finals are Iraq’s first World Cup since 1986 and only their second appearance ever. They have never advanced past the group stage.
Is the 2026 World Cup Didier Deschamps’ last tournament with France?
Yes. Didier Deschamps has confirmed that 2026 will be his final tournament as France coach. He has led them since 2012, winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching the 2022 final. France top the world rankings and chase a third title with a squad full of attacking talent.
What is Senegal’s best World Cup finish?
Senegal’s best run came in 2002, when they reached the quarter-finals on their tournament debut. They went out in the round of 16 in 2022. One of Africa’s strongest sides, Senegal have the quality to challenge for a knockout spot, even in a tough draw with France and Norway.
Have France and Senegal met at a World Cup before?
Yes, once, and it was historic. Senegal beat France 1-0 in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup, one of the biggest upsets the tournament has seen, with France the defending champions. The two are drawn together again and reopen that rivalry on June 16 to start Group I.
Where are Group I matches played?
Group I plays mostly in the US Northeast, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Gillette Stadium near Boston, and Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The exception is Senegal vs Iraq on June 26, which is played at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada.
