Iraq are back at the World Cup for the first time since 1986, drawn into Group I alongside two-time world champions France, a Senegal side led by Sadio Mane, and Norway with Erling Haaland leading the line. All three group stage matches are played in North America between June 16 and June 26. Getting out of this group will require Iraq to produce the best football of their generation.
Group I Fixtures and Schedule
All three Group I matchdays run from June 16 to June 26. The matches are spread across stadiums in the United States and Canada.
| Date | Match | Stadium | Kick-off (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 16 | Iraq vs. Norway | Gillette Stadium, Boston | 6:00 PM |
| June 16 | France vs. Senegal | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey | 3:00 PM |
| June 22 | France vs. Iraq | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia | 5:00 PM |
| June 22 | Norway vs. Senegal | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey | 8:00 PM |
| June 26 | Norway vs. France | Gillette Stadium, Boston | 3:00 PM |
| June 26 | Senegal vs. Iraq | BMO Field, Toronto | 3:00 PM |
Group I Standings
The group stage runs from June 16 to June 26. The top two teams, and possibly the best third-placed team, advance to the Round of 32.
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
| France | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Senegal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Iraq | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Norway | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Standings will be updated after every matchday.
France: The Favourites
France arrive in North America as one of the clear favourites to win the whole tournament. They won the World Cup in 1998 and again in 2018 under Didier Deschamps, and reached the final in 2022 before losing to Argentina on penalties. This will be Deschamps’ last tournament in charge; he confirmed his contract ends after the competition.
The squad is built around Kylian Mbappe, who captains the side for his third World Cup at the age of 27. He is one goal behind the all-time France scoring record and arrives with something to prove after a turbulent club season at Real Madrid. Alongside him, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise form an attacking unit with few equals in the tournament.
The midfield is anchored by N’Golo Kante, returning to a major tournament, and Aurelien Tchouameni. William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate provide a robust defensive foundation. Notable absentees include Eduardo Camavinga, who was left out after a difficult club season, and Randal Kolo Muani.
For Iraq, France will be the biggest test. The match in Philadelphia on June 22 is the one that will draw the largest audience across the Arab world.
Senegal: Experience and Firepower
Senegal are making their third consecutive World Cup appearance, arriving as one of Africa’s strongest sides. Their best result at a World Cup remains the quarter-finals in 2002. For several key players in this squad, 2026 is likely their last chance to improve on that showing.
Sadio Mane leads the attack at 34 years old. He missed the 2022 World Cup through injury; this is his return on the biggest stage. He is Senegal’s all-time top scorer and has confirmed he will retire from international football after this tournament. Alongside him, Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr form one of the most dangerous forward lines among the African teams at this World Cup.
Captain Kalidou Koulibaly brings experience in defence, while Idrissa Gana Gueye, the most-capped player in Senegal’s history, anchors the midfield. Coach Pape Thiaw has a squad with genuine depth across all positions.
Senegal open against France on June 16, then face Norway and Iraq. Their aim is clearly to advance from the group and then push for a deep run in the knockouts.
Norway: Haaland’s First World Cup
Norway return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, ending a 28-year absence. They qualified in dominant fashion, winning all eight matches in their European qualifying group, including two victories over Italy. The team is built around arguably the most lethal striker on the planet right now.
Erling Haaland leads the line for Norway. He scored 16 goals in eight qualifying matches and reached 55 international goals in just 48 appearances, making him the fastest player in history to that milestone. Manchester City’s record-breaker arrives at his first major international tournament with enormous expectations.
Behind him, Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard provides the creative link, while Alexander Sorloth of Atletico Madrid offers a powerful alternative option in attack. Norway are more than a one-man team, but Haaland is the difference-maker. If he finds form, Norway will be difficult to stop.
Their opening match is against Iraq in Boston on June 16. Norway will see that as a game they should win, but Iraq will be motivated by the occasion and the significance of the fixture.
Iraq: Forty Years in the Making
Iraq qualified as the last team to earn a spot at the 2026 World Cup, beating Bolivia in the intercontinental play-off in Mexico on March 31, 2026. It is their second ever World Cup appearance, forty years after their debut in Mexico in 1986.
The squad is coached by Australian Graham Arnold, who took over and guided the Lions of Mesopotamia through the AFC qualifying rounds and the intercontinental play-off. Key players include Ali Jasim, who plays his club football in Serie A with Como, and Aymen Hussein, who scored the winning goal against Bolivia to seal qualification.
The group is objectively the hardest possible scenario for Iraq. All three opponents are ranked inside the top 30 in the world. France are among the favourites for the whole tournament. Yet qualifying itself was the achievement, and the players who made it possible will carry the support of the entire Arab world into each of those three matches.
Iraq’s opening match against Norway in Boston is the one to focus on. It is the game where a result, or even a strong performance, is most realistic. France and Senegal represent different challenges, but Norway, for all their quality, have not played at a World Cup in 28 years. That is where Iraq’s opportunity lies.
Who Advances from Group I?
France are the clear favourites to top the group. Their squad quality is in a different bracket from the other three teams, and Deschamps has experience winning tournaments of this magnitude.
Second place is genuinely open between Senegal and Norway. Senegal have experience at major tournaments and a dangerous forward line. Norway have never played at a World Cup with a player of Haaland’s calibre. Both sides carry real risk for the other.
For Iraq, the goal is to be competitive in every match and to give their fans moments to remember. A first World Cup goal, a first point, or a strong performance against one of the heavyweights would represent a genuine achievement. Given the 40-year wait, the qualification itself already carries historic weight.
More World Cup 2026 Coverage on Livekoora
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does Iraq play at the 2026 World Cup?
Iraq play three group stage matches: against Norway on June 16 in Boston, against France on June 22 in Philadelphia, and against Senegal on June 26 in Toronto.
Which group is Iraq in at the 2026 World Cup?
Iraq are in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway. The group stage runs from June 16 to June 26.
How did Iraq qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Iraq qualified through the intercontinental play-off in Mexico, defeating Bolivia on March 31, 2026. Aymen Hussein scored the winning goal. It is Iraq’s first World Cup appearance since 1986.
Who are the key players for France at the 2026 World Cup?
France are led by captain Kylian Mbappe, who plays for Real Madrid. Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise complete a formidable attacking line. Coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed this is his final tournament in charge.
Is Erling Haaland playing at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Erling Haaland leads Norway’s squad for their first World Cup since 1998. He is supported by Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard and Atletico Madrid forward Alexander Sorloth.
