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2026 FIFA World Cup Group I: Teams, Standings, Fixtures and Key Details

Group I Overview for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the largest ever, featuring 48 teams across North America. Group I includes France, Senegal, Norway, and Iraq. These teams will compete in six group matches, showcasing stars like France’s Kylian Mbappe and Norway’s Erling Haaland.

Fixtures and Match Schedule for Group I

  • June 16: France vs. Senegal at MetLife Stadium, New York/NJ, 3 p.m. ET
  • June 16: Iraq vs. Norway at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, 6 p.m. ET
  • June 22: France vs. Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, 5 p.m. ET
  • June 22: Norway vs. Senegal at MetLife Stadium, New York/NJ, 8 p.m. ET
  • June 26: Norway vs. France at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, 3 p.m. ET
  • June 26: Senegal vs. Iraq at BMO Field, Toronto, 3 p.m. ET

Rules for Breaking Ties in Group Standings

If teams tie on points after group matches, rankings will be decided by:

  • Head-to-head results between tied teams
  • Goal difference in those head-to-head games
  • Goals scored in those matches
  • If still tied, goal difference and goals scored across all group matches
  • Team conduct score based on yellow and red cards
  • FIFA rankings as the final decider

Advancing as a Third-Place Team

The 2026 World Cup expands knockout rounds to 32 teams, allowing the eight best third-place teams from all groups to advance. They will be ranked by points, goal difference, goals scored, conduct score, and FIFA ranking.

Team Profiles in Group I

France

France aims to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to defend the World Cup, despite losing the 2022 final to Argentina on penalties. They won in 2018 with Kylian Mbappe's breakthrough performance. Coach Didier Deschamps, a 1998 World Cup-winning captain, leads the squad for his fourth tournament before retiring. Though Antoine Griezmann has retired internationally, players like Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele bolster the attack. France topped their UEFA qualifying group convincingly.

Senegal

Senegal secured top spot in African qualifying Group B with a strong finish. Their 2002 World Cup debut featured a stunning upset over France and a quarterfinal run. Pape Thiaw, part of that legendary 2002 team, now coaches them, extending an unbeaten streak and notable wins such as a 3-1 victory over England in 2025. Senegal heads to the tournament aiming to recreate past success.

Iraq

Iraq returns to the World Cup stage after a long absence, qualifying through intercontinental playoffs by beating Bolivia 2-1. Despite regional conflicts threatening travel, they secured their second-ever World Cup appearance; the first was in 1986. Coached by Graham Arnold since 2025, Iraq enters as underdogs but with renewed ambition.

Norway

After nearly 30 years away from the World Cup, Norway returns with a talented squad led by striker Erling Haaland and midfielder Martin Odegaard. Haaland netted 16 goals during qualification, topping UEFA charts. Head coach Stale Solbakken, a former player from Norway’s 1994 and 1998 squads, hopes this generation can make a mark in North America.

How to Watch Group I Matches

In the United States, Fox holds English broadcast rights. Streaming is available on Fubo, which offers a free trial. In Canada, games air on TSN and stream via Amazon Prime. The UK audience can watch on BBC, ITV, and STV through their respective streaming platforms. Australia tunes in via SBS On Demand. Indian broadcasting details remain unconfirmed.

Group I Knockout Stage Paths

The Group I winner advances to face one of the best third-place finishers from Groups C, D, F, G, or H in the Round of 32. The runner-up will meet the runner-up from Group E. The third-place team’s path depends on various combinations, making it hard to predict their opponent until all third-place qualifiers are known.

Round of 32 Matches Featuring Group I Teams

  • June 30, 5 p.m. ET: Winner of Group I vs. Third-place finisher at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
  • June 30, 1 p.m. ET: Runner-up of Group I vs. Runner-up of Group E at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

Later Rounds and Venues

Matches will continue through the Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and the Final, hosted at venues across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The final match is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium.

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