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Group I Teams in a Sentence
“GROUP OF DEATH”
France - Talent, Storylines, Going for 3rd straight Finals.
Senegal - Tested, will pressure and counter.
Iraq - Disciplined, organized, probably 4th in group.
Norway - Direct, physical, more than Haaland.
Where Group I finishers will play
1I Winner
2I Second Place
3I Third Place (8 of 12 will qualify)
1I gets a 3, 2I gets 1E, if qualified 3I would get 1A, 1B, 1D, 1G, 1K or 1L
Group I Schedule (times are CST)
Match 17 Tuesday 6/16 NYNJ, 2p - FOX - France v Senegal
Match 18 Tuesday 6/16 Boston, 5p - FOX - Iraq v Norway
Match 42 Monday 6/22 Phili, 4p - FOX - France v Iraq
Match 41 Monday 6/22 NYNJ, 7p - FOX - Norway v Senegal
Match 61 Friday 6/26 Boston, 2p - FOX - Norway v France
Match 62 Friday 6/26 Toronto, 2p - FS1 - Iraq v Senegal
Group ODDS (+110 = bet $100 to win $110, -250 = bet $250 to win $100)
To Advance out of Group I
France -250
Norway +275
Senegal +790
Iraq +4000
To Win Group I
France -2500
Norway -490
Senegal -202
Iraq +300
To Win the World Cup
France +500
Norway +2600
Senegal +8500
Iraq +150000
CS Analysis
France, the 2018 champs and 2022 runners-up, are again one of the tournament favorites and arrive with a near-perfect blend of world-class experience and explosive young talent that still possesses the quality to lift the trophy again. France may have the best front line of the tournament, they will score. Defensively, they will need to step up and in particular by defending set pieces. They will look to dominate possession, press high, and finish with speed.
Most Interesting Player
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Generational superstar and 2022 top scorer who may not be the best player on this team, or top scorer. But, Mbape will still get the most attention. Pure speed and goal threat will make every match dynamic as one of the best players in the world is planning to be in the finals.
Senegal bring a strong, athletic squad full of European-based talent, still possessing the quality and experience to reach the semi-finals or beyond. To make a deep run they will need their midfield to control the tempo and the forwards to convert chances in transition. Senegal will look to play with high intensity, press aggressively, and counter at pace. Will be a fun side to watch.
Most Interesting Player
Idrissa Gueye (Everton)
Captain and most-capped player at 36 years old who will bring veteran leadership. Tireless midfield anchor remains crucial to Senegal and is considered the heartbeat of the Teranga Lions.
Iraq head to 2026 with a disciplined, organized squad built on domestic and regional experience, still possessing the tactical structure to cause upsets and reach the knockout stage. To make a deeper run they will need their defense to hold firm and the creative players to link up effectively on the counter. Getting out of the group would be a win.
Most Interesting Player
Ali Al-Hamadi (Luton Town)
Playoff goal hero for the first World Cup since 1986. Directness and finishing bring dynamic threat and is considered a feel-good breakout candidate of the tournament.
Norway is a talented, direct squad powered by superstar quality, blending experienced leaders with exciting young talent. To make a deep run they will need their Erling Haaland to stay fit and the team to convert chances from set pieces and transitions. They will look to play high-tempo, physical soccer and exploit long balls and crosses. This side could go far on the back of individual brilliance or exit early if the collective shape fails.
Most Interesting Player
Erling Haaland (Man City)
Prolific goal machine (50+ international goals already) that fans are desperate to see on the big stage. Pure excitement, monstrous finishing and the most dynamically lethal in world goal scorer.
CS Picks
I1 France
I2 Norway
I3 Senegal
I4 Iraq
In Summary
This group must see TV. France, Norway and Senegal could all make a case for at least the quarterfinals. Add to that Senegal’s French influence dating back to the 1400’s, Norway’s two star forwards, one who plays for Man City and the other rival Arsenal, Senegal’s EPL players, France’s PSG players and an Iraqi side who has players who mostly play in the Middle East and will be significant underdogs. France’s superstar quality versus Senegal’s collective speed and Norway’s clinical finishing, will be a fun watch. France vs. Norway—Mbappe vs. Haaland. Senegal v Iraq - will be physical. Lots of stars, history and goals.
More On Each Country & National Team Below
France
Visiting?
Quaint coastal Mediterranean.
Mountain life in the Alps.
Explore the regions by wine - for example taste Champagne in the ancient cellars at Reims.
Paris - art, bistros, and Parisians, who are proudly unique.
“l’Hexagone”
Population: 68M
Area: 210,000 Miles2
Region: Europe
Capital: Paris
Language: French
Greeting: Salut
Cuisine: Technique, regional, culinary. Breads, pastries, baguettes, croissants, tarts. Alsace-Lorraine region - German influence, hearty and beer friendly. Normandy - Butter, cream apples and seafood. Paris - classic bistro like steak and frites. Provence - Mediterranean, olive oil based, like ratatouille and bouillabaisse. Burgundy - wine centric, slow cooked ans savory. Auvergne - mountain comfort food like cheesy mashed potatoes. Occitanie - Rustic stews. Brittany - seafood and buckwheat. French Riveria - Light, coastal.
Les Bleus “The Blues”
“The Trio” - referring to the colors of the flag.
Group I
World Ranking 1
WC Apps. 17
Best WC Finish: Winners x2 1998 & 2018
FIFA Governing Body: UEFA
Head Coach: Didier Deschamps (French)
Captain: Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
All Time Top Scorer: Olivier Giroud (137 caps, 57 goals) in 2010’s & 2020’s
About the Team
France sailed through qualifying with a resounding 3-1 victory over the Netherlands on the final matchday. The squad represents a seamless handoff from the 2018/2022 golden era into a new wave of talent, with the question now being whether the youthful firepower can deliver under pressure on the biggest stage. Stars like Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann provide leadership and match-winning quality, the Blues have the best front line in the tournament - some of the most dynamic talents in the world. PSG just won the Champions League and much of that team will be plying for Les Bleus.
The Fans
Les Bleus supporters are passionate, stylish, and fiercely united, turning every match into a sea of noise and choreography that unites the nation. Blue is the color emphasized, and the fans will travel in big numbers.
Players to Watch
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Antoine Briezmann (Atletico Madrid)
Desire Doue (PSG)
Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
Bradley Barcola (PSG)
Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG)
Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
William Saliba (Arsenal)
N’Golo Kante (Fenerbache)
Jules Kounde (Barcelona)
Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid)
Senegal
Visiting?
Big music scene, some of the best in West Africa and abundant in the nightclubs of Dakar or head to the St Louis Jazz Festival, one of Africa’s best.
Make sure you know who singer Youssou N’Dour is.
Hippos, lions and more at the Parc National du Niokolo-Koba.
“The Land of Teranga” meaning “Hospitality”
Population: 16M
Area: 75,000 Miles2
Region: West Africa
Capital: Dakar
Language: French
Greeting: Nanga def (how are you)
Cuisine: Vibrant, built on rice, fish, and peanuts. National dish is Thieboudienne. Peanut stews. Communal eating, shared bowls. Mix of citrus and chili bringing bright spicy layers.
Lions of Teranga
Group I
World Ranking 14
WC Apps. 3
Best WC Finish: QF 2002
FIFA Governing Body: CAF
Head Coach: Pape Thiaw (Senegalese)
Captain: Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal)
All Time Top Scorer: Sadio Mane (126 caps, 53 goals) will play in this World Cup
About the Team
Senegal is one of Africa’s most consistent qualifiers. The squad shows a healthy blend of experienced leaders and emerging stars, with the handoff already well underway after the Teranga Lions’ strong recent tournaments. Stars like Sadio Mané (still the heartbeat and captain) and Kalidou Koulibaly provide leadership and defensive steel, while exciting attackers such as Lamine Camara, and Iliman Ndiaye bring pace, skill, and goal threat that have defined Senegal’s current identity.
The Fans
The Lions of Teranga fans are passionate, loud, and deeply proud (pun intended), who turn stadiums colorful with green, yellow, and red. Green (with yellow and red accents) is the color emphasized, creating a colorful, rhythmic atmosphere full of drumming and chanting that feels like a national celebration.
Players to Watch
Idrissa Gueye (Everton) – Captain.
Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr)
Ismaëla Sarr (Crystal Palace)
Lamine Camara (Monaco)
Iliman Ndiaye (Everton)
Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal)
Habib Diallo (Al-Shabab)
Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham)
Édouard Mendy (Al-Ahli) – GK.
Iraq
Visiting?
Stability and insurgency are still issues in Iraq, so check what’s going on and be prepared to be flexible.
The Hamilton Road in Iraqi Kurdistan is one of the Middle East’s most scenic road trips.
The citadel of Erbil, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth.
Hatra, an ancient trading city.
“The Cradle of Civilization”
Population: 39M
Area: 170,000 Miles2
Region: Middle East
Capital: Baghdad
Language: Arabic & Kurdish
Greeting: Salaam aleikum (peace be with you)
Cuisine: Ancient roots, rich spices and slow cooked meals. Masgouf is famous, grilled carp from the Tigris/Euphrates rivers. Rice and Lamb. Dates, Iraq is the world’s largest date producer.
Lions of Mesopotamia
Group I
World Ranking 57
WC Apps. 2
Best WC Finish: Group Stage
FIFA Governing Body: AFC
Head Coach: Graham Arnold (Australian)
Captain: Jalal Hassa (Al-Zawraa)
All Time Top Scorer: Hussein Saeed (137 caps, 78 goals) in the 1970’s, 1980’s & 1990’s.
About the Team
Iraq qualified for the World Cup via the AFC third round, finishing second in their group and then securing the spot with a dramatic playoff victory. The squad is built around a core of experienced players from the Iraqi league. Captain Ali Adnan and goalkeeper Jalal Hassan provide veteran leadership, while younger talents like Mohanad Ali and Aymen Hussein add energy and goal threat, the blend gives Iraq a compact, counter-attacking identity.
The Fans
The Mesopotamians supporters are passionate and fiercely patriotic, erupting in emotional celebrations that unite the country whenever Iraq pull off a shock result. Fans are very proud of Iraq, and you will see many Iraqi flag wherever they go.
Players to Watch
Mohanad Ali (Dibba Al Fujairah)
Ali Al-Hamadi (Luton Town)
Aymen Hussein (Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya)
Rebin Sulaka (Port)
Bashar Resan (Al-Najaf)
Ibrahim Bayesh (Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya)
Jalal Hassan (Al-Zawraa) – GK.
Norway
Visiting?
Described as the supermodel of Scandinavia.
The Fjords.
Take the 7-hour long Oslo-Bergen train ride and just enjoy the views.
A lot of Norway sit above the Arctic Circle, make sure to check out the Northern Lights, outside of summer.
“The Land of the Midnight Sun”
Population: 5.5M
Area: 125,000 Miles2
Region: Northern Europe
Capital: Oslo
Language: Norwegian
Greeting: Hei
Cuisine: Sea centered, shaped by cold climate and long winters. Curing, smoking and fermenting. Lamb stews and veggies. Simple and clean.
Red, White & Blue
Group I
World Ranking 31
WC Apps. 4
Best WC Finish: Round of 16
FIFA Governing Body: UEFA
Head Coach: Stale Solbakken (Norwegian)
Captain: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
All Time Top Scorer: Erling Haaland (49 caps, 55 goals) will play in this World Cup
About the Team
Norway qualified directly by finishing top of their group beating out fellow WC qualifier Austria. Stars like Erling Haaland (the undisputed leader and goal machine from Man City) and Martin Odegaard (Arsenal) provide world-class creativity and finishing, while defenders such as Kristoffer Ajer and young prospects like Oscar Bobb add pace and dynamism, creating a competitive, attack-minded team built for big moments. This team is physical.
The Fans
The Norwegian fans are passionate, loyal, and increasingly vocal, painting the stands in red and creating an atmosphere full of Viking chants and national pride that has grown with the team’s resurgence. Red is the color emphasized, worn with the same intensity whether at home or traveling in strong numbers.
Players to Watch
Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – Scorer.
Martin Odegaard (Arsenal) – Captain.
Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford)
Alexander Sorloth (Atlético Madrid) – Striker.
Oscar Bobb (Fulham)
Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund)
Orjan Nyland (Sevilla) – GK.
