With a decisive 4-1 victory over Norway at Boston's Gillette Stadium this Friday, France completed a clean sweep in Group I of the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, Senegal secured a provisional spot as the best third-place team by thrashing Iraq 5-0 at Toronto's BMO Field.
These results brought clarity to Group I, as all four teams learned their destinies.
Unstoppable France and Dembélé's Heroics
France emerged as the undisputed leader, achieving three wins in as many matches, scoring 10 goals while conceding just two. They finished with a goal difference of +8 and a total of 9 points.
The standout performer was Ousmane Dembélé, who notched a hat-trick, leaving France ahead 3-1 by halftime. Kylian Mbappé added a fourth in the second half, sealing a masterclass performance for the French squad.
Norway's Solid Performance
Already assured a place in the next round before the match, Norway ended second in the group with six points, scoring eight goals and conceding seven. Their only blemish was the loss to France, but their overall performance was solid enough to advance comfortably.
Senegal's Convincing Victory
Senegal delivered the most resounding win of the day, dismantling Iraq with goals from Habib Diarra in the third minute, Pape Gueye at the 58th and 70th minutes, and Iliman Ndiaye at the 70th and 81st minutes.
This victory boosted Senegal's goal difference to +2, a crucial factor in their hopes of advancing as the best third-place team. However, their progress remains tentative, contingent on outcomes in other groups.
Iraq's Challenging Campaign
Iraq concluded the tournament without earning a point: three defeats, one goal scored, and 12 conceded, resulting in a goal difference of -11. Competing in their first World Cup since 1986 in Mexico, the Iraqi team struggled to match the level of their group counterparts.
Throughout the group stage, France's dominance was evident from day one.
In the opening round, France defeated Senegal 3-1 at the MetLife Stadium, while Norway triumphed 4-1 over Iraq at the Gillette Stadium. On the second matchday, the French overcame Iraq 3-0 —a game delayed by over two hours due to a thunderstorm— and Norway edged out Senegal 3-2, with Erling Haaland scoring twice.
Looking Ahead to the Knockout Stage
In the upcoming round of 16, Norway is set to face Ivory Coast on June 30 at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas. As the group leader, France will play later that day at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey against the best third-place team from Groups C, D, F, G, or H, an opponent yet to be determined.
FAQs on 2026 World Cup Group I Results
Who was the standout player for France in the group stage?
Ousmane Dembélé was the standout player for France, scoring a hat-trick in their final group match against Norway.
How did Senegal perform in Group I?
Senegal delivered a strong performance, particularly with a 5-0 victory over Iraq, securing a provisional spot as the best third-placed team.
What was Iraq’s record in the 2026 World Cup?
Iraq ended the tournament with three losses, scoring one goal and conceding 12, hence not advancing past the group stage.