Group I was billed as one of the toughest groups at the 2026 World Cup, and after the opening round it already looks like a two-team race at the top. France and Norway both opened with convincing victories, while Senegal and Iraq have work to do heading into Matchday 2.

Mbappé and Haaland shine on Matchday 1

France overcame a stubborn Senegal side 3-1 at MetLife Stadium thanks to a record-breaking performance from Kylian Mbappé. The Real Madrid star scored twice to become France’s all-time leading scorer, helping Didier Deschamps’ team pull away after a difficult first half.

A few hours later, Norway made an equally impressive start by beating Iraq 4-1 in Boston. Erling Haaland scored twice on his World Cup debut as Norway ended a 28-year wait for a World Cup appearance in style.

France lead the group on goals scored, but Norway sit level on three points and look every bit a contender to finish first. The upcoming round of matches could prove decisive.

Group I: results

• France 3-1 Senegal
• Norway 4-1 Iraq

Group I: standings

After the first matchups in the group, the table looks like this:

Group I: remaining games

• June 22: France vs Iraq
• June 22: Norway vs Senegal
• June 26: Norway vs France
• June 26: Senegal vs Iraq

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