2026 World Cup: Senegal and Iraq finish preparation in poor form, Norway emerges as main threat

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Senegal and Iraq, two of France’s three Group I opponents, concluded their preparation with disappointing results, offering the French team some grounds for satisfaction before the competition begins.

The Lions of Teranga are those who have most concerned their supporters. In two matches, Pape Thiaw’s side could do no better than a defeat to the United States (3-2) and a draw against Saudi Arabia (0-0). Finalists of the last Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegalese multiplied errors and displayed worrying nervousness, embodied by Nicolas Jackson’s red card: brought on in the 62nd minute against Saudi Arabia, the Chelsea striker received two yellow cards in two minutes before being sent off in the 84th.

Iraq, which some observers saw as capable of causing an upset in this group, also stumbled. After holding their own against Spain (1-1) and earning admiration from Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente — who had called the Lions of Mesopotamia a “very interesting, unpredictable and very intense” team — the Iraqis fell to Venezuela (0-2), despite the latter not qualifying for the competition.

While these results may reassure the French team, Norway presents a very different picture. Unbeaten in their last three preparation matches, the Scandinavian side held their own against Morocco (1-1), dominated Sweden (3-1) and resisted Switzerland (0-0), three nations present at the 2026 World Cup in North America. It is now they who appear as the main threat to the French in the group stage.