Welcome to The Athletic’s 2026 World Cup tactical group guides, walking you through the key battles on the pitch, the players to look out for, and the fun facts to impress your friends ahead of the tournament.Here we will break down Group I, statistically the strongest at the tournament, featuring France, Senegal, Norway and Iraq.As 2018 winners and losing finalists four years ago, France have the most pedigree. Senegal, who made it to the round of 16 last time, will want redemption after seeing their Africa Cup of Nations title controversially stripped this January.Then there are two returnees. Norway caused a stir in qualifying and are back at a World Cup for the first time since 1998. Iraq ended an even longer wait, sneaking in via the inter-confederation play-off — 40 years on from their sole appearance.Can France reach a third straight final? Will Norway’s golden generation shine? Are Senegal going to surprise everyone?The gamesMatchday one
Tuesday, June 16: France v Senegal (3pm ET, 12pm PT, 8pm BST) — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
Tuesday, June 16: Iraq v Norway (6pm ET, 3pm PT, 11pm BST) — Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
Matchday two
Monday, June 22: France v Iraq (5pm ET, 2pm PT, 10pm BST) — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
