Group I rivals France and Senegal will face each other in repeat of the 2002 Fifa World Cup opener.
Image: AFP
Group I of the 2026 Fifa World Cup is set to kick off today, bringing together a fascinating mix of former champions, historic giant-killers, a generational superstar, and a nation ending a 40-year wait.
Comprising France, Senegal, Norway, and Iraq, this group offers some of the most compelling narratives of the tournament's opening round. France and Senegal certainly enjoy a rich Fifa World Cup history and their clash at the New York/New Jersey Stadium will inevitably stir memories of the 2002 World Cup opening match.
In that famous encounter, Senegal shocked defending champions France with a 1-0 upset. France will be desperate to avoid a repeat, while Senegal will look to channel the spirit of 2002 to claim another historic result.
The two-time World Cup winners are making their eighth consecutive appearance at the finals. Didier Deschamps’ squad enters the tournament as one of the heavyweights, though they face an opening match heavily steeped in history. They are one of the favourites to lift the trophy and are seeking a third consecutive final appearance after winning in Russia before finishing runners-up to Argentina in Qatar.
Sadio Mane of Senegal.
Image: AFP
Unbeaten in African qualifying, Pape Thiaw's team secured their spot by topping Group B. Senegal has a proud World Cup history, having won at least one match in each of their previous appearances.
The Lions of Teranga will also still be smarting after their 20125 AFCON title was stripped from them due to a judicial hearing and will be eager to show the world they are indeed the best team on the African continent.
Star Norway striker Erling Haaland.
Image: AFP
The Norwegians arrive in North America boasting a perfect record from European qualifying, having won all eight of their Group I matches. They are spearheaded by Erling Haaland, who netted a remarkable 16 goals during the qualifying campaign.
Managed by Graham Arnold, Iraq is making an emotional return to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1986 - ironically also the last time the Fifa World Cup was held in Mexico.
After missing out on direct qualification by a single point in the third round and falling short in the fourth round, they successfully navigated the inter-confederation playoffs to end their 40-year absence.
Group I Fixtures
Matchday 1: France vs Senegal; Iraq vs Norway
Matchday 2: France vs Iraq; Norway vs Senegal
Matchday 3: Norway vs France; Senegal vs Iraq