Group I: France Begin Their Title Defense Quest
Les Bleus, two-time champions and 2022 finalists, enter as one of the tournament's undisputed favorites. Mbappé at his peak is unstoppable. But Group I is no formality — Senegal are Africa's most complete team, led by Sadio Mané and a physically dominant midfield. Norway feature the Haaland-Ødegaard axis and are everyone's dark horse pick. Iraq's emotional return after 40 years provides the group's human story. The battle for second place will be ferocious.
France
Rank #5 · UEFA
Best: Champions (1998, 2018)
★ Kylian Mbappé
Senegal
Rank #14 · CAF
Best: Quarter-finals (2002)
★ Sadio Mané
Iraq
Rank #62 · AFC
Best: Group Stage (1986)
★ Mohanad Ali
Norway
Rank #23 · UEFA
Best: Round of 16 (1998)
★ Erling Haaland
Rank #5 · Coach: Didier Deschamps
Mbappé, elite depth at every position, and the tactical flexibility of Deschamps. The reigning runners-up are built to win it all.
Rank #23 · Coach: Ståle Solbakken
Haaland can score against anyone, and Ødegaard can create against anyone. Norway haven't been to a World Cup in decades, but they have the talent to go deep.
Match to Watch
France vs Norway — Mbappé vs Haaland. The two heirs to Messi and Ronaldo's throne, facing off on the World Cup stage for the first time. Box office.
Prediction
France win the group with maximum points. Norway edge Senegal for second in a direct clash decided by Haaland. Senegal finish third in the group of death. Iraq win hearts.