As the start of the 2026 World Cup inches closer, the French national team are making their final preparations for the competition. The 26-man squad has been confirmed, so attention now shifts to analyzing their opponents in Group I.
Although Les Bleus have been listed by sportsbooks as one of the favorites for the tournament, all three of Senegal, Iraq, and Norway can impact any ambitions Didier Deschampsâ squad has of lifting the trophy. The mini-league has been touted as this summerâs âGroup of Deathâ, so France will need to keep their guard up if they are to emerge unscathed.
The good news is that having Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and others to call upon gives France a boost going into the group stage games. But what do they need to watch out for when they face each team?
Senegal
Franceâs World Cup begins on June 16 against what might be their most difficult test in the group stages. Senegal are coming into the tournament having been stripped of their 2025 AFCON final win, meaning that the Lions of Teranga will enter the competition with a score to settle.
In qualifying, Senegal were close to flawless, scoring 22 goals in seven victories while never tasting defeat. Defensive solidity was their biggest strength here and during AFCON, as they conceded just two goals on their way to the final. Franceâs attack will need to find ways to wear down Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa NiakhatĂ© and company, all while being aware of the threat posed by Senegal on the counterattack.
However, there are some concerns about Senegalâs firepower. Nicolas Jackson only managed eight Bundesliga goals at Bayern Munich, Sadio ManĂ© is ageing, and Iliman Ndiaye has blown hot and cold this year for Everton.
That, combined with the gap in quality between the two squads, is why France are considered overwhelming favorites for this match. Readers can back Deschamps’ team in this game and throughout the World Cup by using the best dafabet bonus code to get started.
Iraq
Iraq represents something of a respite for France in the group stages. The two sides, due to meet on June 22, are separated by 56 places in FIFAâs World Rankings, and Les Bleus should be able to rely on their individual quality to take them through.
Thereâs also a significant gap in experience between both teams. While the majority of Franceâs squad play in Europeâs top five leagues and are used to international tournaments, Iraq are playing in only their second World Cup appearance. That counts for something, but Graham Arnoldâs side have nothing to lose here – and that makes them more dangerous.
In their inter-confederation playoff final against Bolivia, Iraq only had six shots compared to their opponentâs 15, but took their chances to secure a 2-1 win. They will rely on a disciplined defensive setup throughout the tournament, in the hope that they might be able to hit teams on the break. It will take a lot to beat France, but the two-time champions need to make their dominance count.
Norway
Depending on the outcome of Franceâs first two games, the result in their final match against Norway could mean little to them. However, if they make any mistakes prior to June 26, then it could have huge implications regarding who wins the group.
Norway are being touted as dark horses this summer for one reason in particular – Erling Haaland. The striker has been in formidable form for most of the year, scoring 38 goals in all competitions for Manchester City. But with Martin Ădegaard pulling the strings and Antonio Nusa running off either flank, France canât afford to concentrate on Haaland alone.
StĂ„le Solbakkenâs team are dangerous in transition, which means the French defenders will need to stop themselves from bombing forward to join attacks. There are questions over how strong the teamâs defense is, while first-choice goalkeeper Ărjan Nyland has also struggled for regular minutes with Sevilla this season. The likes of Olise and DembĂ©lĂ© might be able to test the shot-stopper from distance regularly and force him into errors, which others can then punish.
