Is the 2026 World Cup “group of death” as worrying as it seems? On the eve of the start of the competition, France, Senegal, Iraq and Norway, members of Group I, displayed very disparate levels of play during the preparation matches.
The Lions of Teranga are probably those who have disappointed the most in recent days. In two matches, Pape Thiaw’s men could not do better than a defeat against the United States (3-2) and a draw last night against Saudi Arabia (0-0) – whose team was completely changed at the hour mark, except for the goalkeeper.
The finalists of the last African Cup of Nations offered a level well below their usual standards with a starting eleven not so overhauled. They made many mistakes, and above all displayed a certain nervousness. This is evidenced by the exclusion of Nicolas Jackson, who entered the field in the 62nd minute of the match and was excluded in the 84th after two yellow cards received in two minutes.
Norway, France’s main threat?
The Iraqis gave a glimpse of a potential surprise in this Group I. Considered as the weakest opponents on paper, the Lions of Mesopotamia had impressed Luis de la Fuente after the draw obtained against Spain (1-1) last Thursday. “I found this team very interesting, and above all unpredictable, very intense”underlined the coach. They finally fell last night against Venezuela (0-2), not qualified for the competition.
Currently, the biggest threat to the France team during this group stage of the 2026 World Cup seems to be Norway, undefeated for three games after holding off Morocco (1-1), Sweden (3-1) as well as Switzerland (0-0), three nations present in North America.
