Group I World Cup 2026 Match Schedule & Standings
3
Confederations
2
Combined WC Titles
19
Combined WC Apps
#2
Highest Ranked
What to Watch in Group I
France arrive as 2018 winners and 2022 runners-up. Back-to-back finals is rare and they have the squad to do it again, even with the post-Mbappรฉ generational handover already underway. Senegal arrived in 2026 having won the 2022 AFCON, then watched as Egypt knocked them out of qualifying for the next AFCON. Norway return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, ending the longest streak of generational players (Erling Haaland, Martin รdegaard) without major-tournament football. Iraq make their first World Cup since 1986, the second in their history. France vs Senegal is a heavyweight fixture and a Round of 16 final preview by squad value. Norway vs Iraq is the wild-card match where the underdog has the live chance.
Group I Standings
Top 2 advance to Round of 32
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ๐ซ๐ท FranceFRA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | ๐ฎ๐ถ IraqIRQ | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | ๐ณ๐ด NorwayNOR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | ๐ธ๐ณ SenegalSEN | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Team Profiles
FIFA rankings & World Cup history
Group I Matches
3 matchdays ยท 6 matches
Matchday 1
Jun 16Matchday 2
Jun 22Matchday 3
Jun 26Where to Watch Live
16 world-class venues ยท 3 countries
USA
11 cities
Canada
2 cities
Mexico
3 cities
Atlanta
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Boston
Gillette Stadium
Dallas
AT&T Stadium
Houston
NRG Stadium
Kansas City
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
Los Angeles
SoFi Stadium
Specific venue assignments for Group I will be confirmed by FIFA.
Group Predictions
Based on FIFA rankings, historical performance, and live group standings as matches unfold.
Advance to Round of 32
Key Matchup
Most competitive matchup by FIFA ranking
Group Facts
Group I: USMNT's Home Section
Group I is the United States' section, and given the host status the pressure is on from the first whistle. USA play Bolivia at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on June 11, the second match of the entire tournament. Co-hosting carries an automatic ticket but no automatic results, and Group I has a real heavyweight in it.
Croatia are the team to fear here. The 2018 World Cup finalists and 2022 third-place finishers have a midfield habit of dragging games into 90-plus minutes and winning them on detail. Modriฤ at 40 will likely play his final World Cup. Bolivia qualify after a long absence, and Costa Rica bring their 2014 quarter-final pedigree.
USMNT need to top Group I to set up a friendlier knockout draw. Track standings here, compare with the other co-host sections in Group A (Canada) and Group C (Mexico), or check the USA team page for the full squad.
Follow the Journey to the Final
See how Group I teams progress through the knockout stages. Explore the full tournament bracket and match schedule.
Group I Match Schedule FAQs
When does the Group I World Cup 2026 Match Schedule begin?
Group I matches kick off during the first week of the tournament. The exact dates run from June 11 to June 26, 2026. Teams play three matches each before the knockout stage begins.
Which teams are in Group I for the 2026 tournament?
Group I features France, Iraq, Norway, and Senegal. This group brings together teams from 3 different confederations, making for a competitive matchday lineup at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
How many teams advance from Group I to the knockout stage?
The top two teams with the most points at the end of the group stage automatically advance to the Round of 32. The eight best third-placed teams across all 12 groups also qualify. Tiebreakers like goal difference will decide teams tied on points.
Where will Group I matches be played?
Matches will be played across the 16 official host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Stadium assignments for each Group I fixture are published on the official FIFA schedule once the tournament draw is finalised.
How can I buy tickets for Group I matches?
Tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are sold exclusively through the official FIFA ticketing platform. Sales open in phases throughout 2025 and 2026. Sign up early on FIFA.com to be notified when each Group I fixture goes on sale.