Group I of the 2026 World Cup reaches its conclusion today with two simultaneous fixtures that will determine the section winner and which African or Asian representative keeps their tournament hopes alive. France face Norway and Senegal meet Iraq at 3 p.m. ET, with all four teams carrying different objectives into the final 90 minutes of the group phase.
France and Norway have both secured their places in the Round of 32 after winning their opening two matches. However, the identity of the group winner remains undecided ahead of the direct meeting between the European sides, while the loser of the other fixture will see their campaign end immediately.
France and Norway battle for top spot
Les Bleus enter the fixture with the advantage of knowing a draw or victory will confirm them as Group I winners. Kylian Mbappé has been instrumental in their perfect start, delivering memorable performances in both previous outings to guide the side through the group stage undefeated.
Norway, spearheaded by Erling Haaland, can leapfrog the French into first place only with a victory. Finishing top would likely secure a more favorable draw in the knockout phase, adding significant stakes to a fixture that both sides have already qualified from. Haaland’s form has been central to Norway’s status as one of the most impressive teams of the group stage.
Senegal and Iraq scrap for third place
At the bottom of the group, the mathematics are stark. Neither Senegal nor Iraq have collected a point from their first two fixtures, leaving them dependent on results elsewhere to advance as one of the eight best third-place teams.
Senegal require a victory over Iraq to retain any chance of progression. With a goal difference of minus three, a narrow win would leave them on the bubble, requiring favorable outcomes in other groups to secure a place in the last 32. Anything less than three points eliminates the African side immediately.
Iraq face an even steeper climb from minus six. They almost certainly need a multi-goal victory to overturn their deficit and keep their qualification hopes alive. A defeat or draw for either team will confirm their elimination from the competition.
How to watch
Both fixtures commence at the same time today at 3 p.m. ET to preserve competitive integrity. Norway versus France will be broadcast live on FOX, while Senegal against Iraq airs on FS1. Both matches are available to stream on FOX One.