When the France World Cup 2026 Group I draw was confirmed, few were surprised to see Didier Deschamps’ side installed as heavy favourites. The French Football Federation has been building quietly towards this summer, and with a squad featuring some of the finest talent in the game, Les Bleus arrive in North America with genuine ambitions of lifting the trophy for the third time in their history.
For Singapore fans, this tournament represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to watch the world’s best compete across three host nations — Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match guide has all the details on when and where things kick off, but here we zoom in on Group I — arguably the group of death in the entire competition.
France: The Favourites With A Point To Prove
Kylian Mbappé leads the French charge once more, and despite everything that has surrounded his club career, his motivation on the international stage has never been in question. The Real Madrid forward finished as the top scorer at the 2022 World Cup — even in a losing final — and arrives at WC2026 with a fierce desire to finally secure that winners’ medal.
Around Mbappé, Deschamps has assembled a squad of remarkable depth. Antoine Griezmann provides the creative thread in midfield, while a defensive unit anchored by Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konaté remains among the most formidable in international football. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan has been exceptional for club and country alike.
Yet France carry wounds from previous tournaments. The 2022 final loss in Lusail — heartbreaking on penalties after drawing 3–3 with Argentina — still lingers. Deschamps has spoken about using that pain as fuel. His side are not taking Group I lightly, despite facing opposition many would consider beatable on paper.
Norway: The Haaland Factor
Any conversation about Group I must begin and end with Erling Haaland. Norway’s talismanic striker arrives as the most feared centre-forward on the planet, and his presence alone elevates his nation’s prospects dramatically. Haaland has broken records at every level — Bundesliga, Premier League, Champions League — and the World Cup stage is the one major honour that has eluded him and his country.
Norway qualified for WC2026 for the first time since 1998, and the euphoria in Oslo at that achievement should not be underestimated. Stale Solbakken’s side are not a one-man band, however — Martin Ødegaard orchestrates play from midfield with intelligence and pace, while Alexander Sørloth offers a powerful alternative up front.
A match between France and Norway is the standout fixture in the group, and fans in Singapore should note the date carefully. If Haaland can rise to the occasion against a French defence not accustomed to being second-best, Norway are more than capable of causing a major upset.
Senegal: The African Champions In The Mix
Senegal arrive at WC2026 as AFCON champions, and their credentials deserve genuine respect. The Lions of Teranga have long been one of African football’s most powerful nations, and with a core of experienced Premier League and Ligue 1 professionals, they are no pushover for anyone in Group I.
Sadio Mané, approaching the twilight of an extraordinary career, remains a totemic figure for his nation. His influence extends far beyond goals — he galvanises the collective spirit of a squad that believes it can go deep in this tournament. Alongside him, Ismaïla Sarr and Habib Diallo provide the attacking thrust to trouble any backline.
Iraq: The Surprise Package?
Iraq are making their return to the World Cup stage after a lengthy absence, and their qualification through the AFC pathway was a remarkable achievement. Few outside the Middle East will know their squad well, but in tournament football, unfamiliarity can work both ways. Iraq will be compact, disciplined, and dangerous on set pieces — a combination that has troubled bigger nations before.
Their realistic aim will be to finish in the top two to progress from Group I, which likely means targeting victories against Iraq’s Group I rivals while taking points from Senegal and Norway if possible. A giant-killing against France? Not impossible — but extremely unlikely.
Group I Verdict: France, But Never Say Never
On paper, France should win this group comfortably. Their quality across every position is simply too great for the opposition, and Deschamps has shown repeatedly that he knows how to win at tournament level.
Yet second place is genuinely contested. Norway, powered by Haaland, hold a slight edge over Senegal — but the Lions of Teranga will not roll over. A Norway–Senegal match may well decide who accompanies France into the round of 16.
For context on the broader WC2026 picture, check out our analysis of the Netherlands squad and Spain’s title defence — two of the other major contenders who could meet France in the knockout stages.
Singapore fans, set your alarms. The France–Norway showdown is the match to watch — and it may just be one of the games of the tournament.
