Group I — Group Standings
Match schedule, current standings and our prediction for Group I at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Standings
Match Schedule
Our Prediction
Race for 1st place
France remain co-favourites for the entire tournament and will not let first place slip in Group I. Didier Deschamps' last World Cup as coach features Kylian Mbappé in his prime, with Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Ousmane Dembélé providing midfield and wide quality. France should beat Iraq comfortably, dispatch Norway, and overcome Senegal — maximum points is realistic. The only fixture with any intrigue is matchday 2 vs. Senegal, a 2002-style upset risk for veterans of the famous result.
Race for 2nd place
Senegal are the firmest pick for second place. Pape Thiaw's reign continues the African champion's foundations, with Sadio Mané (still influential), Kalidou Koulibaly, Édouard Mendy and Krépin Diatta forming a tournament-experienced spine. Senegal should beat Iraq, push France hard and edge Norway through superior tournament rhythm. Six points and second place is the realistic outcome.
Third-place playoff slot
Norway are the favourites for the third-place playoff slot in a fiercely competitive group. Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard finally make their World Cup debuts after 28 years of national absence, and Ståle Solbakken has built a tactically modern 4-3-3 around them. Norway should beat Iraq comfortably, lose to France, and play Senegal close — 3 or 4 points should be enough for one of the eight best-thirds places.
Bottom of the group
Iraq are the most likely group bottom. Graham Arnold's squad arrived through the punishing AFC playoff route and lacks the quality to compete with three top-30 European/African sides. The realistic ceiling is a single point from Norway on a defensive masterclass day — defeats in the other two games are highly probable.