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FIFA WC 2026 Group I: Mbappe vs Haaland headline group of new stars | FIFA World Cup 2022

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Group I is widely regarded as one of the toughest groups at the FIFA World Cup 2026. France arrive as one of the favourites to lift the trophy, while Senegal seek to relive the glory of their famous victory over Les Bleus in 2002. Norway return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 with Erling Haaland leading an exciting generation, while Iraq make their long-awaited return to the global stage after a 40-year absence.

 


With Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Sadio Mane all sharing the same group, Group I promises to deliver some of the tournament’s most anticipated matches.

 

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FIFA WC 2026 Group I: Teams


  • France

  • Senegal

  • Iraq

  • Norway


FIFA WC 2026 Group I: Team analysis


France

 


France enter the tournament as one of the leading contenders for the title and the highest-ranked team in the group. Didier Deschamps will oversee his final World Cup campaign, hoping to add another trophy to a remarkable international coaching career.

 


Les Bleus possess arguably the deepest squad in the competition. Kylian Mbappe remains the focal point of the attack, while Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola provide exceptional support. The midfield and defence remain equally impressive, with Aurelien Tchouameni, William Saliba and Theo Hernandez among the key figures.

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France recently defeated both Brazil and Colombia in pre-tournament friendlies despite rotating heavily, highlighting the depth available to Deschamps as he seeks one final triumph.

 


France’s full squad for the FIFA WC 2026: Brice Samba, Malo Gusto, Lucas Digne, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Kounde, Manu Kone, Ousmane Dembele, Aurelien Tchouameni, Marcus Thuram, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, N’Golo Kante, Adrien Rabiot, Ibrahima Konate, Mike Maignan, William Saliba, Warren Zaire-Emery, Theo Hernandez, Desire Doue, Lucas Hernandez, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Robin Risser, Rayan Cherki, Maghnes Akliouche, Maxence Lacroix.

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Senegal

 


Senegal remain one of Africa’s strongest representatives and arrive with a point to prove. The Teranga Lions were at the centre of controversy after their AFCON triumph was later stripped amid legal disputes, creating an added sense of motivation heading into the World Cup.

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Pape Thiaw has inherited a talented and experienced squad led by captain Kalidou Koulibaly and star forward Sadio Mane. The squad also features Premier League talent in Nicolas Jackson, Ismaila Sarr and Pape Matar Sarr, while young stars such as Lamine Camara continue to emerge.

 


Senegal famously defeated France in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup and will hope history can repeat itself when the sides meet again.

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Senegal’s full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Yehvann Diouf, Mamadou Sarr, Kalidou Koulibaly, Abdoulaye Seck, Idrissa Gueye, Pathe Ciss, Assane Diao, Lamine Camara, Bamba Dieng, Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson, Cherif Ndiaye, Iliman Ndiaye, Ismail Jakobs, Krepin Diatta, Edouard Mendy, Pape Matar Sarr, Ismaila Sarr, Moussa Niakhate, Ibrahim Mbaye, Habib Diarra, Bara Sapoko Ndiaye, Mory Diaw, Antoine Mendy, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Pape Gueye.

 


Iraq

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Iraq return to the World Cup for the first time since Mexico 1986 after one of the longest qualification journeys of any nation in the tournament. Graham Arnold’s side played 21 qualification matches before securing their place.

 


The Lions of Mesopotamia are built around captain Jalal Hassan and striker Aymen Hussein, whose goals proved decisive throughout qualification. The squad also includes several players with experience of European football, including Zidane Iqbal, Ali Al Hamadi and Youssef Amyn.

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Drawn into arguably the toughest group in the tournament, Iraq enter as underdogs but will be determined to prove they belong on football’s biggest stage.

 


Iraq’s full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Fahad Talib, Rebin Sulaka, Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashim, Manaf Younis, Youssef Amyn, Ibrahim Bayesh, Ali Al Hamadi, Mohanad Ali, Ahmed Qasem, Jalal Hassan, Ali Yousif, Zidane Iqbal, Ahmed Maknzi, Amir Al Ammari, Ali Jasim, Aymen Hussein, Kevin Yakob, Aimar Sher, Marko Farji, Ahmed Basil, Merchas Doski, Zaid Ismail, Mustafa Saadoon, Frans Putros.

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Norway

 


Norway’s return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence has generated enormous excitement. Led by Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, this is widely viewed as the nation’s most talented generation since the 1990s.

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Coach Stale Solbakken has built a balanced side around elite attacking quality. Haaland arrives as Norway’s all-time leading scorer, while Odegaard orchestrates the attack from midfield. Supporting them are Alexander Sorloth, Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb and Jorgen Strand Larsen.

 


Norway qualified impressively and believe they can finally surpass their previous best World Cup performance, having never progressed beyond the Round of 16.

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Norway’s full squad for the FIFA WC 2026: Orjan Nyland, Morten Thorsby, Kristoffer Ajer, Leo Ostigard, David Moller Wolfe, Patrick Berg, Alexander Sorloth, Sander Berge, Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Sander Tangvik, Egil Selvik, Fredrik Aursnes, Fredrik Andre Bjorkan, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, Torbjorn Heggem, Kristian Thorstvedt, Thelo Aasgaard, Antonio Nusa, Andreas Schjelderup, Oscar Bobb, Jens Petter Hauge, Sondre Langas, Henrik Falchener, Julian Ryerson. 


FIFA WC 2026 Group I: Players to watch out for


France — Kylian Mbappe

 


France’s captain remains one of the most decisive players in world football. Now operating more centrally, Mbappe is the player around whom France’s attack is built.

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Senegal — Sadio Mane

 


Although no longer at the peak of his Liverpool years, Mane remains Senegal’s emotional leader and biggest attacking threat. This tournament could represent his final World Cup.

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Iraq — Aymen Hussein

 


Iraq’s star striker scored the goal that secured qualification and remains one of the nation’s most important players. His finishing ability gives Iraq hope of causing an upset.

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Norway — Erling Haaland

 


Norway’s all-time leading scorer is entering his prime and arrives at the tournament as one of the world’s most feared forwards. His battle with Mbappe will be one of the highlights of the group stage.

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FIFA WC 2026 Group I: Final standings prediction


France possess the deepest squad and greatest tournament pedigree in the group, making them favourites to finish top. Norway’s attacking quality gives them a slight edge in the race for second place, though Senegal have more than enough experience and talent to challenge for qualification.

 


Iraq face a difficult task against three strong opponents but should remain competitive throughout the group stage.

 

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Predicted standings


  • France

  • Norway

  • Senegal

  • Iraq


FIFA WC 2026 Group I: Full schedule


Matchday

Date

Time (IST)

Fixture

Matchday 1

17 June 2026

12:30 AM

France vs Senegal

Matchday 1

17 June 2026

3:30 AM

Iraq vs Norway

Matchday 2

23 June 2026

2:30 AM

France vs Iraq

Matchday 2

23 June 2026

5:30 AM

Norway vs Senegal

Matchday 3

27 June 2026

12:30 AM

Norway vs France

Matchday 3

27 June 2026

12:30 AM

Senegal vs Iraq

 

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Charlie Woods scuffles at Junior PGA, hovering near cut line

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Charlie Woods lines up a putt during the 109th Florida Amateur Championship at The Club at Admiral's Cove on June 11, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida.Charlie Woods lines up a putt during the 109th Florida Amateur Championship at The Club at Admiral’s Cove on June 11, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida.

Charlie Woods, the 17-year-old son of Tiger Woods, sits just above the cut line after the first round of the Junior PGA Championships on Tuesday in Frisco, Texas.

Woods, from Jupiter, Fla., is tied for 53rd place after shooting a 3-over-par 75 at Fields Ranch’s East Course. The top 60 players and ties will advance after the second round, and currently 71 players are in position to move on.

Looking to build on a tie for ninth at the event last year, Woods started slowly on Tuesday, making bogeys on two of the first four holes. He ended the day with three birdies, four bogeys and a double bogey at the par-4 ninth hole.

That added up to leave Woods seven strokes behind the leader, Kailer Stone of Alameda, Calif., who carded a 68. Maxwell Milton of Polson, Mont.; Theodore Snyder of Gig Harbor, Wash.; and Rory Asselta of Ramsey, N.J.; all sit one stroke behind Stone.

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The second round will be played on Fields Ranch’s West Course.

Last week, Woods failed to reach the match-play portion of the U.S. Junior Amateur, coming up short in a playoff after stroke play at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pa.

–Field Level Media

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Football gossip: Barcola, Vinicius Jr, Guimaraes, Diaz, Ndiaye, Zirkzee, Diomande, Tomiyasu, Phillips

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PSG’s Bradley Barcola verbally agrees to join Liverpool, but clubs apart on valuation, Real Madrid have no plans to sell Vinicius Jr and Everton want around £70m for Iliman Ndiaye.

Paris St-Germain and France forward Bradley Barcola, 23, has verbally agreed to join Liverpool, but there is no certainty over a move as there is a significant gap between the two clubs on the fee. (L’Equipe – in French), external

Barcola’s possible move to Liverpool could lead to Ligue 1 champions PSG trying to beat Real Madrid to the signing of Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, 19, from RB Leipzig. (L’Equipe – in French), external

Real Madrid do not intend to sell 26-year-old Brazil forward Vinicius Jr, whose contract with the Spanish club runs out next summer, and are confident he will agree a new deal with the club. (Sky Sports), external

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Newcastle United sources insist the club are not in talks with Arsenal over a deal to sell Magpies skipper Bruno Guimaraes, 28, to the Gunners and the Tyneside club expect the Brazil international to return to training on Friday. (Northern Echo), external

Bayern Munich have no plans to sell Colombia forward Luis Diaz, despite reported interest from Al-Hilal, and the 29-year-old has told the German champions he wants to stay with them. (Sky Sports Germany), external

Everton will demand around £70m for Senegal winger Iliman Ndiaye, 26, amid interest from Manchester United and Al-Hilal. (Mirror), external

Manchester United are willing to let Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee leave and are in talks with Juventus about a deal for the 25-year-old. (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian) , external

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Nottingham Forest are close to securing a 40m euros (£34m) deal to sign 22-year-old Ivory Coast centre-back Ousmane Diomande from Sporting. (A Bola – in Portuguese), external

Coventry City have agreed a club record deal worth an initial £22.5m deal to sign English goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, 25, from Brighton. (Telegraph – subscription required), external

Former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, 27, is training with Crystal Palace having left Ajax in the summer, but no talks have taken place about the Japan international joining the Eagles. (Talksport), external

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5 WWE Superstars that Triple H is shoving down our throats

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Every successful era in WWE has been defined by stars the company was determined to build. Sometimes those decisions resonate with fans, while other times it becomes a matter of frustration for them. Ever since Triple H took creative control of WWE, he has pushed several superstars into the spotlight. But not every superstar received a good response from fans.

It has been mainly because of how manufactured their push felt. There have been times when fans resisted seeing certain superstars in the big spots and marquee storylines. However, the creative team continued to thrust them into major programs, leading to frustrations among fans. The current roster of RAW and SmackDown faces the same recurring issue in recent times.

Here are five WWE superstars that Triple H is shoving down fans’ throats:

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#5. Jade Cargill

The push behind Jade Cargill has been relentless from the moment she arrived in WWE. Triple H has booked her as an unstoppable force, positioning The Storm in marquee spots and giving her major championship reigns. Despite her relative inexperience, WWE has constantly given Cargill prominent feuds, high-profile matches and big storylines. Even when fans showed disinterest, the company forcibly kept pushing her on major spots and title reigns.

The Storm receives champion-level exposure and creative protection even when her character has started to lose its spark. Rather than allowing her to refine her craft organically and improve her promo skills, management continues to feature Jade Cargill in dominant wins over seasoned veterans. Her constant mainevent showcase therefore feels heavily manufactured, giving off the impression that WWE is prioritizing her marketability and physical aura.

#4. Danhausen

Danhausen is one of the most fascinating characters in WWE right now, and there’s no denying it. His eccentric cursed persona has received an unexpected mainstream boost, becoming a major attraction in recent times. But there was a time when Danhausen’s segment looked actually fresh and exciting. However, Triple H has been featuring the 35-year-old excessively across all platforms to the point where his segments and TV times look superfluous.

The company has been showcasing the same backstage segments where Danhausen is experimenting in his lab. Besides, his “You are cursed” gimmick has been exploited to the point where it no longer feels like a major thing. WWE’s overexposure of Danhausen has eroded the uniqueness of his character, making a lot of fans frustrated. The constant cursing bits and redundant occupying of screentime every week make it feel like forced comedy relief.

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#3. Austin Theory & #2. Bron Breakker (The Vision)

Bron Breakker and Austin Theory are two superstars that Triple H is arguably shoving down our throats. As the central focal point of The Vision, they have dominated Monday Night Raw’s main event landscape. Triple H has protected Breakker by constantly booking him as an unstoppable force. Meanwhile, Theory continuously lands in prominent storylines and tag team gold despite receiving mixed crowd reactions.

The perception of them being forcibly pushed comes from how heavily scripted their dominance feels. Week after week, The Vision wreaks havoc and stands tall on Monday Night Raw, eclipsing everyone under their shadow. The amount of push The Vision receives does not quite align with the individual members’ character. While Austin Theory doesn’t look believable, Bron Breakker has lost his credibility of late by suffering setbacks when it mattered the most.

#1. WWE star Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes remains Triple H’s ultimate pet project, often centered in main event title chases and marquee matches. As the undisputed face of the company, the 41-year-old occupies an overwhelming amount of WWE’s weekly television, promotional material and many event slots. Hunter’s booking treats Rhodes as a nearly invincible hero who rarely loses and regularly closes PLEs. The core issue lies in how WWE sacrifices every other superstar just for the sake of The American Nightmare.

Drew McIntyre had to drop his world title just because Triple H wanted Cody Rhodes to walk into WrestleMania 42 as champion. Sami Zayn had to lose his world title in just nine days only because the company wanted to put Cody in the title picture with Punk at SummerSlam. It gave rise to a collective perception as if the company revolves only around The American Nightmare. This is a clear example of how Triple H has been shoving Cody Rhodes down fans’ throats.

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