Overview
- FIFA’s draw placed France in Group I with Senegal, Norway and the winner of an intercontinental playoff featuring Iraq, Bolivia or Suriname.
- International outlets described the section as the tournament’s most daunting, with attention on a marquee Mbappé–Haaland meeting.
- Norway coach Ståle Solbakken called it a difficult group and stressed preparation and respect for France and Senegal, while Erling Haaland noted the challenge.
- Didier Deschamps highlighted Norway’s overall quality and said Mbappé and Haaland will likely contend for the Golden Boot.
- The ceremony drew criticism for heavy showmanship and for FIFA honoring Trump, and viewers noted procedural confusion when Argentina was briefly shown in Group I before being moved under new bracket rules.