World Cup Group I Tips, Predictions & Offers

Our World Cup 2026 Group I tips, odds and predictions are out, and this could be one of the strongest groups in the tournament. France are clear favourites, but Senegal and Norway both have enough quality to make the battle behind them extremely competitive. Iraq arrive as outsiders, but their route to the tournament gives them belief, and the new format means one strong result could still keep them alive. We’ve broken down the Group I storylines, fixture order and latest tipster picks below.

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Group I Preview

France bring elite-level talent and huge tournament experience into Group I. With attacking quality, squad depth and recent World Cup pedigree, they will expect to finish top. The danger for France is that this group gives them no easy rhythm. Senegal are physically strong and organised, while Norway have one of the most dangerous centre-forwards in world football. France should still have too much quality, but they may have to earn control of the section quickly.

Senegal are strong enough to qualify from this group. They have experience, athleticism and a defensive structure that can make them very hard to play through. Their past World Cup win over France also gives this fixture extra edge, even if it belongs to a different era. Senegal’s main question is whether they can produce enough attacking sharpness in tight matches. If they take points from the opener, the group becomes wide open.

Norway are one of the most dangerous third-seeded teams in the tournament. Erling Haaland gives them obvious goal threat, while Martin Ødegaard provides control and creativity behind him. Norway’s qualifying form showed they can play front-foot football and score heavily, which makes them a genuine threat to Senegal and even France. The Norway vs Senegal match could be one of the most important games in the group.

Iraq return to the World Cup with the lowest expectations in the section, but that does not mean they will be simple opponents. They are likely to be compact, combative and direct, especially against sides expected to dominate possession. Their clearest route is to stay in games, protect goal difference and try to take something from Norway or Senegal. In the new format, even third place can be enough if results fall kindly.

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Group I fixtures table

Matchday 1 – France vs Senegal – 16 June, 8:00pm UK time
Matchday 1 – Iraq vs Norway – 16 June, 11:00pm UK time
Matchday 2 – France vs Iraq – 22 June, 10:00pm UK time
Matchday 2 – Norway vs Senegal – 23 June, 1:00am UK time
Matchday 3 – Norway vs France – 26 June, 8:00pm UK time
Matchday 3 – Senegal vs Iraq – 26 June, 8:00pm UK time

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