World Cup Group I permutations: What do France, Norway need to qualify?

Group I, nicknamed the group of death at the World Cup, is finely poised between Norway and France. Both teams are level on three points after their respective wins over Senegal and Iraq on matchday one.

Qualification for the knockout stages is within reach for the top two seeds, while the bottom two are in a do-or-die scenario.

We run through the permutations for each nation to qualify for the World Cup last 32, as all four prepare for their second matches on Monday, 22 June.

What Norway need to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

As it stands, Norway lead Group I after their 4-1 win over Iraq in their opening World Cup fixture.

Spearheaded by Erling Haaland in his tournament debut, the Vikings scored two first-half goals, before Leo Ostigard added another after the break. Aymen Hussein’s own goal in stoppage time made it 4-1.

Norway sit atop the group having scored one goal more than France, who are level on three points. Iraq was just the start – bigger tests still await Stale Solbakken's men. 

They are in a strong position to qualify, with a win against Senegal sealing their progression to the knockouts. Their biggest test will be against France on the final matchday, with both nations having the chance to qualify as the top two sides even before meeting.

What France need to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

France are the current title favourites after their emphatic 3-1 opening win over Senegal.

Despite starting slow, France picked up pace after a goalless first period. Kylian Mbappe netted two fantastic strikes on either side of a Bradley Barcola finish to exact revenge against Senegal for their 2002 World Cup opener loss.

Les Bleus sit level on three points with Norway, having scored a goal fewer. But given the riches of offensive talent in their squad, it would be no surprise to see them overtake Norway in the scoring charts.

Didier Deschamps's side can qualify for the knockouts with a win over Iraq, arguably their easiest group fixture on paper. After Senegal’s toothless display, Norway will be their toughest test yet in the group.

What Senegal need to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

Senegal occupy third position in Group I, having conceded one goal fewer than bottom-placed Iraq.

After their AFCON title mishap, Senegal were expected to rebound with a tough showing against France. The Lions of Teranga managed to keep the two-time World Cup winners quiet until the half-time whistle, but they were quickly put to the sword after the restart.

Ibrahim Mbaye’s stoppage-time consolation proves they still have it in them score against big teams. However, even if Senegal lose to Norway in their next match, they cannot be eliminated until the final matchday when they meet Iraq.

Pape Thiaw’s men are in a precarious position, and will need to be at their best to progress at least as one of the best third-placed teams.

What Iraq need to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

In the group of death, they was never any doubt as to who the underdogs were. Iraq fell 4-1 to Norway in their World Cup opener.

Haaland’s first-half brace arrived on either side of Aymen Hussein’s header, before Ostigard put it out of reach with Norway’s third following the restart. Hussein then turned the ball into his own net in unfortunate fashion, making it 4-1 for Norway.

The Lions of Mesopotamia are still in the running for qualification to the knockouts. They cannot be ruled out even if they lose to France in their next match.

However, if they do, Graham Arnold’s side will have to beat Senegal on the final day to progress as one of the best third-placed teams.

Who will they face in the last 32?

In the round of 32, the Group I winner will face a third-placed team from one of five groups, while the runner-up will play the runner-up of Group E (Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador).