“The Group of Death” is a phrase used to describe the toughest group in the tournament. In 2026, it’s hard to find, with so many groups watered down due to the sheer amount of teams in the field. But Group I will be this World Cup’s Group of Death.
France (FIFA Rank 1)
Embed from Getty ImagesThe best group of forwards in the entire tournament, on top of being complete at every position. William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano are the best centre back pair in the tournament, and Aurelien Tchouameni is going to bring stability in the midfield, but it is the attackers that make this French team as scary as they are. Ousmane Dembele is the reigning Ballon D’Or winner, and may win again this year, Rayan Cherki was Manchester City’s biggest find in a long time, Michael Olise is the best winger in the world, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue are superstars at PSG, and Kylian Mbappe hasn’t even been mentioned yet. Every defense will fear this team.
Iraq (FIFA Rank 57)
Embed from Getty ImagesIraq qualified through the intercontinental playoff, and now are thrown into a group of France, Norway and Senegal. There is potential for some standout young performances at the World Cup, but they don’t have the talent to keep up with the other teams in the group.
Norway (FIFA Rank 31)
Embed from Getty ImagesEveryone’s pick for biggest dark horse in the tournament. They don’t have as many good attackers as the French, but they hold their own. Erling Haaland is the best pure striker in the world, playing in his country’s first World Cup since his dad took the field in 1998. Antonio Nusa will be a player to watch, as he continues to be one of the best up and coming wingers in Europe, Martin Odegaard just led his Arsenal to an English Premier league title. This is possibly the best Norwegian generation ever, and they need to put together a solid run, because this may be their best ever chance.
Senegal (FIFA Rank 14)
Embed from Getty ImagesThe second highest ranked team in Africa, behind Morocco, who controversially took home the AFCON title, being awarded the win over Senegal. Sadio Mane, in what could likely be his last ride with the country, is still electric on the wing, and guys like Nicolas Jackson and Iliman Ndiaye bring together a more than capable forward group. This is the start of a great Senegal generation that will lead the country once Mane hangs up the spikes.
Official Predictions
Kylian Mbappe has been to the final in each of his World Cups, winning one, and scoring a hat trick in the other. France has the sights set way higher than the group stage, but they can’t go easy on any of these teams.
- France
- Norway
- Senegal
- Iraq