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The FIFA World Cup 2026 is just around the corner. From June 11 to July 19, a total of 48 nations will compete for the most prestigious title in football, across venues in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The draw has divided the teams into 12 groups, with Group I featuring France, Iraq, Norway, and Senegal. Here’s a detailed look at each side and their chances of advancing.

France enter the tournament in tremendous form, having won the 2018 World Cup, reached the 2022 final, and made the semi-finals of the last European Championship. Currently ranked number one in the world by FIFA, they remain the favourites to lift the trophy once again. The squad looks even stronger than in previous years, boasting exciting debutants such as Warren Zaire-Emery, Maghnes Akliouche, Rayan Cherki, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, and Desire Doue.

Player to watch: Kylian Mbappe. The Real Madrid superstar thrives on the global stage and has shone in every major tournament he has played. If France make another deep run, Mbappe will undoubtedly be central to their success.

Prediction: Tournament winners.

Iraq are making only their second-ever appearance at a World Cup. Coincidentally, the last time they qualified was in 1986—also hosted by Mexico. Back then, they lost all three group matches, and they will be aiming for a better performance this time, though they find themselves in arguably the toughest group.

Player to watch: Jalan Hassan. The Iraqi goalkeeper recorded 10 clean sheets during qualification—the joint-highest total among goalkeepers in the Asian confederation.

Stage of elimination prediction: Group stage.

Norway are widely considered one of the tournament’s dark horses. With Premier League stars Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard leading the line, they have the quality to surprise many. The squad also features Oscar Bobb and Alexander Sorloth. This will be Norway’s first World Cup appearance since 1998—before Haaland was even born.

Recognised as one of the best strikers in world football, Haaland will be eager to make a lasting impression on the biggest stage.

Player to watch: Erling Haaland. The Manchester City forward boasts an incredible record of 162 goals in 198 club appearances and 55 goals in just 49 games for Norway. His statistics speak for themselves.

Stage of elimination prediction: Quarter-finals.

Senegal enter the World Cup as the 2026 AFCON finalists, though their title was controversially awarded to Morocco after the final result was overturned. That outcome will likely fuel their determination to prove themselves on the global stage. The squad remains brimming with talent, featuring Idrissa Gueye, Kalidou Koulibaly, Sadio Mane, and Edouard Mendy.

For Sadio Mane, who missed the previous World Cup due to injury, this tournament might be his last chance to shine at 34 years old.

Player to watch: Sadio Mane. The Al Nassr attacker continues to be Senegal’s talisman, having delivered an excellent season in Saudi Arabia with 10 goals and six assists in the league.

Stage of elimination prediction: Last 16.