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Group I, billed by many as a "group of death," lived up to the hype on matchday one. Erling Haaland inspired Norway to a 4-1 win over Iraq, while Kylian Mbappé made history as France saw off a spirited Senegal 3-1. Both heavyweights are up and running, setting up a blockbuster meeting between them later in the group. Here is how things stand and what comes next.
Norway 4-1 Iraq: Haaland Announces Himself
All eyes at Gillette Stadium were on Erling Haaland, fresh off a 38-goal season for Manchester City, and the striker did not disappoint on his World Cup debut. Just before the half-hour he wriggled between two defenders to slide in David Wolfe's cross for 1-0. Iraq, at only their second World Cup and first since 1986, stunned Norway with an equaliser on 39 minutes, Aymen Hussein climbing highest to head home for their second-ever goal at the finals.
The parity did not last. Haaland pounced on a loose pass to restore Norway's lead almost immediately, and Iraq were left to rue a volley from Akam Hashem that flashed into the side netting. Norway pulled clear late on: substitute Leo Østigård headed in a third within minutes of coming on, before Hussein, the man who had given Iraq hope, turned a Haaland cross into his own net for 4-1. Relive it on our Iraq vs Norway page.
France 3-1 Senegal: Mbappé Makes History
France arrived at MetLife Stadium as one of the favourites for the title, but they were given a real test by Senegal — the only nation to have beaten France at a World Cup, back in their famous 2002 upset. The Africans were the brighter side early on and struck the post before the first drinks break, with goalkeeper Édouard Mendy later keeping them in it with a string of saves.
The breakthrough came on 66 minutes through Kylian Mbappé, after referee Alireza Faghani had earlier waved away his penalty appeal following a review. Substitute Bradley Barcola doubled the lead within two minutes of his introduction, and although Senegal pulled one back through a thunderous Mbaye strike in stoppage time, Mbappé had the final say to make it 3-1. The goals saw Mbappé draw level with Olivier Giroud as France's all-time leading scorer, in what is Didier Deschamps' final tournament in charge. See the full result on our France vs Senegal page.
How Group I Looks After Matchday 1
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norway | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 3 |
| 2 | France | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 3 |
| 3 | Senegal | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| 4 | Iraq | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 0 |
Both Norway and France made winning starts, with Haaland's side edging top spot on goal difference. Senegal and Iraq, meanwhile, are left chasing their first points and will need a response in the second round to keep their hopes alive in such a competitive group.
What's Next in Group I
The second round of fixtures sees both leaders look to consolidate. Norway face Senegal in Norway vs Senegal, a potential banana skin against a wounded but dangerous side, while France take on Iraq in France vs Iraq. It all builds towards a mouth-watering final-round showdown between Norway and France that could decide top spot — making every result in between hugely significant.
Be There for the Drama
Star power, goals and a heavyweight clash still to come — Group I has it all. Browse every available fixture on our World Cup 2026 tickets page and secure your seat before the biggest games sell out.
