World Cup 2026 archive
Group I – World Cup 2026: France Lead the Way in Norway's Group
🇫🇷 EuroTipHub · · 5 min read
Written before the tournament. Kept so the reasoning is still on the record. Not current advice.
Group I is Norway's long-awaited return to the World Cup after 28 years. It features powerhouse France as clear favourites, alongside strong challengers Senegal and Iraq.
Teams in Group I
🇫🇷 France
UEFA · Qualified
🇳🇴 Norway
UEFA · Qualified
🇸🇳 Senegal
CAF · Qualified
🇮🇶 Iraq
AFC · Qualified
Group I – Odds when published
| Team | Win WC | Win Group | Advance (Y/N) | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇫🇷 France | 6.50 | 1.40 | 1.04 / 12.80 | UnionBet |
| 🇳🇴 Norway | 26 | 3.75 | 1.20 / 4.40 | UnionBet |
| 🇸🇳 Senegal | 101 | 9.00 | 1.50 / 2.50 | UnionBet |
| 🇮🇶 Iraq | 1501 | 41 | 4.00 / 1.22 | VeloBet |
Advance Yes/No odds from VeloBet.
Analysis: Norway's Dream Return in a Tough Group
After 28 years of absence, Norway are finally back at the World Cup. The atmosphere surrounding the Norwegian team is electric, and the entire nation is buzzing with excitement.
France remain one of the biggest favourites to win the entire tournament and are clear group winners. With a star-studded squad and immense depth, they are expected to dominate Group I.
Behind them, the battle for second place will be intense. Senegal bring power, experience, and star quality (especially with Sadio Mané), while Iraq are dangerous outsiders who can make life difficult. Norway will need to perform at their absolute best — particularly in the crucial opening match against Iraq — if they are to advance from the group.
Key Players to Watch
🇫🇷 France: Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and Eduardo Camavinga.
🇳🇴 Norway: Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard, and Alexander Sørloth.
🇸🇳 Senegal: Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Idrissa Gueye.
🇮🇶 Iraq: Ali Adnan, Bashar Resan, and Aymen Hussein.
Betting Tips & Value Picks
Group I is Norway's moment. While France are expected to top the group comfortably, the fight for second place between Norway and Senegal will be the main story. Iraq and Senegal will be tough opponents, but with the right performances, Norway have every chance of making the knockout stage in what promises to be an unforgettable World Cup campaign.