NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
The World Cup is BACK, baby!! One of the BEST events in all of sports, and this time it’s back in North America, which adds to the excitement as if we needed more reasons to get HYPE I for one, have already mapped out my PTO use based on key World Cup games. I’m old and have been watching this tournament since my mother sat me down in 1994, and we watched Team USA beat Colombia. Anyway, enough about me, this article is a preview of one of the most interesting groups, and that is group I, which has two solid contenders, a country on the rise and one playing for more than just a trophy.
France:
Les Bleus enter as one of the tournament’s top contenders, and for good reason. Manager Didier Deschamps comes in for his final tournament, and he has assembled a squad that is part battle-hardened veterans, part new generation.
Player to Watch: Kylian Mbappé — The captain is making his third World Cup appearance at just 27, already one goal behind the all-time France scoring record. He reached the final in both 2018 and 2022, and he’ll be hungrier than ever to lift the trophy himself, finally. Flanking him is Ousmane Dembélé, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner coming off a Champions League triumph with PSG, and Michael Olise, who has been sensational for Bayern Munich. France’s attack is arguably the deepest at the tournament. In a moment, they can counter and have defenders’ heads spinning. These dudes can put the ball in the back of the net.
In midfield, the ageless N’Golo Kanté brings a steady style alongside Warren Zaïre-Emery, while the defensive unit led by William Saliba and Ibrahima Konaté is one of the most reliable duos in the tournament.
What to Expect: France should top this group comfortably. Their depth across every line makes them nearly unmanageable on their best days. The danger? Complacency as Senegal proved when they shocked France on the very same stage back in 2002. This is a revenge tour. Get your tickets.
Senegal:
The Lions of Teranga
Senegal is known as Africa’s standard-bearers, making their third straight World Cup. Under manager Pape Thiaw, they’re a team built on a strong defense and moments of individual brilliance that catch opponents off guard.
Player to Watch: Sadio Mané — Africa’s most decorated active player, with 53 international goals, two AFCON final appearances, a Premier League title, and a Champions League medal on his résumé. At this stage of his career, Mané is playing for legacy. Behind him, striker Nicolas Jackson has emerged as a modern threat, while Lamine Camara and Idrissa Gana Gueye provide muscle and creativity in midfield. At the back, veteran captain Kalidou Koulibaly and goalkeeper Édouard Mendy anchor a defense that conceded just two goals across their entire AFCON campaign. Stats like that tell me they should have a shot in every match and only need a moment to shock you.
What to Expect: Senegal is a dark horse for second place. They’ll be physical, organized, and dangerous on the counter. Getting anything from their opening clash with France would be massive, and history says don’t rule it out.
Iraq:
40 Years in the Making
Iraq’s last return to the World Cup was Mexico 1986. This is a story that transcends football. Qualifying via the inter-confederation playoffs with a memorable win over Bolivia, the Lions of Mesopotamia carry the hopes of an entire nation, one that could use some light and hope. All the things that football and the World Cup can provide to nations.
Player to Watch: Aymen Hussein — The veteran striker is Iraq’s talisman and will be the man for all 3 group stage matches. Ali Al-Hamadi, who made history as the first Iraqi to play in the Premier League (Ipswich Town), adds a direct and physical threat. In midfield, former Manchester United youth product Zidane Iqbal (now at Utrecht) is the player with the highest European pedigree, while Aimar Sher of Heerenveen brings composure and experience. Young forward Marko Farji, just 22, is the wild card who could surprise with his pace and goal threat. Nothing to lose, so teams they face better not sleep on them or prepare for a real battle.
What to Expect: Iraq is the clear underdog here, and coach Graham Arnold knows it. Their style is compact, aggressive, and reliant on set pieces and counterattacks. A first-ever World Cup win is the dream, and while the odds are long, this group has the belief to make it happen. This is the World Cup; anything can happen.
Norway:
The Dark Horses
Norway is back at a World Cup for the first time since 1998, and they’ve arrived with their greatest generation of players ever. They powered through UEFA qualifying with a perfect eight wins from eight games, leaving no doubt about their credentials. Was that a dream or a look at things to come?
Player to Watch: Erling Haaland — The name that needs no introduction. The Manchester City striker is a force of nature and one of the most lethal finishers the sport has ever seen. If Norway is to make a deep run, goals from Haaland will be the fuel. But this team is far more than a one-man show. Martin Ødegaard, the Arsenal captain, is Norway’s creative engine, and when healthy, there may be no better playmaker in the tournament. Young RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, just 20, adds explosive pace, while Alexander Sørloth gives Solbakken a physically commanding alternative up front. If you have a chance to watch a Norway game, DO IT. They are a fun squad that works for it.
What to Expect: Norway is a contender for second place and could get a massive upset against France on a good day. Their defensive resilience in qualifying was outstanding, but they’ll be tested like never before in this group.
Final Thoughts:
France should advance as group winners with little to no drama. The real drama will play out between Senegal and Norway for second place, two teams with the quality, physicality, and motivation to push deep into the knockout rounds. Iraq’s greatest achievement would be EARNING points and showing out for their country.
One thing’s for certain: Group I will not disappoint.
Group I matches run June 16–26, 2026. France vs Senegal kicks off the group at New York/New Jersey Stadium on June 16.
