Group I Draw Recap: France Won't Have Cakewalk Past Group Stage
Mbappe vs Haaland
While France should top Group I, it will not be an easy journey for Les Blues.
France was drawn into Group I alongside Norway, Senegal, and either Iraq/Bolivia/Suriname. At first glance, France should top this group but Senegal and Norway will provide a challenge.
Senegal is currently ranked 19th in the world and features the likes of Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson, Pape Matar Sarr, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy.
This is the third straight appearance for Senegal in the World Cup, and they made it to the Round of 16 in 2022. Soccer historians will remember that Senegal beat France in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup and Les Blues will kick off their tournament against Senegal.
Additionally, Norway is always a challenge, seeing that they have one of the best strikers in the world in Erling Haaland. Additionally, the likes of Martin Ødegaard, Julian Ryerson, and Oscar Bobb comprise a talented group who will put teams to the test in 2026.
But it is likely to be a race for second place between Senegal and Norway, which will be hotly contested. The match of the group has to be the eventual battle between Kylian Mbappe and Haaland.