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World Cup News :: FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group I Preview - France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq

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Posted on 2026-06-01 by ArmchairPunter

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Welcome to the ArmchairPunter's preview of Group I featuring favourites France - with an analysis of all the teams and some betting options.

FRANCE

Ranked no.1 in the FIFA Rankings, France will be seeking to avenge their loss to Argentina in the final of the 2022 tournament by first taking Group I by storm followed by a sustained challenge for world dominance once again in this edition of the World Cup.

Despite remaining unbeaten throughout the qualifying campaign (W5 D1 L0), Les Bleus, flattered to deceive at times but this will be Didier Deschamps’ final bow as national coach and he’ll be eager to utilise every ounce of France’s impressive and daunting attacking prowess as he looks to regain the World crown for his country.

Favoured formation: 4-2-3-1
Top Team Goalscorer: Kylian Mbappe @ 1.66
Value Pick for TTG : Ousmane Dembele @ 6.00
All odds taken from bet365

SENEGAL

Arguably the strongest nation in African football, Senegal will take their place in Group I as the second-highest FIFA ranked nation at no.14 and no wonder, as the likes of Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye are amongst Lions of Teranga’s playing personnel, along with former Chelsea striker, Nicolas Jackson.

Senegal’s attacking prowess and depth of squad could prove troublesome for Norway and even France, while progressing further than last edition’s round of last 16 looks a real possibility.

In addition, Senegal recorded a 3-1 win over England last June.

Favoured formation: 4-3-3
Top Team Goalscorer: Sadio Mane @ 4.00
Value Pick (TTG): Ismaila Sarr @ 12.00

NORWAY

Norway are currently ranked no.31 in the FIFA rankings following an impressive qualifying campaign which saw the Landslaget record a 100% winning record after securing eight group wins on the trot which included 3-0 and 4-1 victories over Italy, and plundering a total of 37 goals in the process.

Predictably, it was Manchester City’s Erling Haaland who spearheaded the Norwegian attack, scoring an amazing 16 goals during qualifying, and further goals (at both ends) looks likely where Stale Solbakken’s side are concerned!

Favoured formation: 4-3-3
Top Team Goalscorer: Erling Haaland @ 1.30
Value Pick (TTG): Alexander Sorloth @ 8.50

IRAQ

Resilience, stamina and sheer perseverance have been Iraq’s shining qualities which saw the Lions of Mesopotamia endure a gruelling 21-game qualifying process under national coach Graham Arnold as they finally had their passports stamped for World Cup 2026 following an intercontinental play-off against Bolivia.

However, Iraq are ranked no.57 in the FIFA rankings and the lowest-ranked nation in Group I so their prospects are probably modest at best - frustrating the other nations may be their best bet in achieving a better points-haul than their only previous appearance in Mexico 86 (zero points).

Favoured formation: 4-4-2
Top Team Goalscorer: Odds unavailable
Value Pick: Odds unavailable

SUMMARY

France are obvious favourites to progress, while Norway have a couple of outstanding names to attract the punters.

This means that there is good looking Side Bet for this group :
Bet365 Group Dual Forecast (top 2 Group I finish - any order) :
France & Senegal @ 3.25

 

Sourced From : Gooners Guide to World Cup Betting

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Argentina World Cup Squad 2026: Messi Leads Experienced Side as Scaloni Banks on Continuity