France
The world’s top-ranked nation and one of the tournament’s strongest favourites. Didier Deschamps – who won the World Cup as player in 1998 and manager in 2018 – takes charge of his final tournament before stepping down.
Kylian Mbappe leads a squad of extraordinary depth that also includes Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele. France were runners-up at Qatar 2022, losing to Argentina on penalties. This is their 17th World Cup appearance.
Players to watch: Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) and Ousmane Dembele (PSG).
Norway
Norway return to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years under Stale Solbakken – and they arrive with one of the most dangerous attacking combinations in the tournament.
Captain Martin Odegaard – Premier League winner with Arsenal – leads a side built around Erling Haaland, who scored 16 goals as Norway won all eight of their UEFA qualifying matches.
This is Haaland’s first major international tournament. Norway’s best finish remains the Round of 16 in 1998.
Players to watch: Erling Haaland (Manchester City) and Martin Odegaard (Arsenal).
Senegal
The Lions of Teranga arrive at their fourth World Cup carrying unfinished business against France – the side they famously defeated 1-0 in the opening game of the 2002 tournament.
Pape Thiaw’s side qualified unbeaten from CAF Group B. Sadio Mane captains the side for what is expected to be his final World Cup. Their best finish remains the quarter-finals of 2002.
Players to watch: Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr) and Nicolas Jackson (Bayern Munich).
Iraq
Iraq return to the World Cup for the first time since 1986 – a 40-year absence. Graham Arnold’s side played 21 qualification matches before securing their place through the intercontinental playoff in March 2026.
Aymen Hussein was the standout performer throughout qualifying. Iraq are making only their second ever World Cup appearance.
Players to watch: Aymen Hussein (Al-Karma) and Zidane Iqbal (Utrecht).
France are the overwhelming favourites to top Group I. The battle for second place between Norway and Senegal is the group’s most compelling storyline – with Haaland against Mane the standout individual matchup of the entire group stage.
The fixtures
16 Jun: France vs Senegal – MetLife Stadium, New Jersey – 21:00 SAST
17 Jun: Iraq vs Norway – Gillette Stadium, Boston – 00:00 SAST
22 Jun: France vs Iraq – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia – 23:00 SAST
23 Jun: Norway vs Senegal – MetLife Stadium, New Jersey – 02:00 SAST
26 Jun: Norway vs France – Gillette Stadium, Boston – 21:00 SAST
26 Jun: Senegal vs Iraq – BMO Field, Toronto – 21:00 SAST
Photo: REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
