Group I features France — the reigning World Cup runners-up — alongside Senegal, Norway and Iraq. France have one of the deepest squads in international football and will be determined to go one better than their 2022 final defeat on penalties. Senegal are Africa's most dangerous team. Norway arrive with Erling Haaland. Iraq represent the Asian confederation.

🇫🇷 France

France have won the World Cup twice (1998, 2018) and were runners-up in 2006 and 2022. Their 2022 final, lost on penalties to Argentina after drawing 3-3, is considered one of the greatest finals in tournament history. They arrive in 2026 with a squad featuring Mbappe and a generation determined to win the title they lost so dramatically.

🇸🇳 Senegal

Senegal reached the quarter-finals on their World Cup debut in 2002, eliminating defending champions France in the group stage. In 2022 they reached the Round of 16, losing to England. Their squad now features a generation of world-class talent from the Premier League, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga.

🇳🇴 Norway

Norway's last World Cup appearance was in 1998. In the intervening years Norwegian football has undergone a transformation, producing Martin Odegaard and most notably Erling Haaland — arguably the finest striker in world football. Their 2026 qualification ends a 28-year absence and raises enormous expectations.

🇮🇶 Iraq

Iraq make their third World Cup appearance in 2026, having previously qualified in 1986. Their qualification from the Asian confederation represents a significant achievement for a nation that has rebuilt its football infrastructure through enormous challenges. They arrive as the clear underdogs in Group I.