Overview
- France landed in Group I alongside Senegal, Norway and an intercontinental play‑off winner to be decided from Iraq, Bolivia or Suriname.
- Group I is mapped to the North American East Coast, with potential venues including Boston, New York, Philadelphia or Toronto, and France will face Senegal first, then the play‑off winner, before Norway.
- FIFA staged the draw at Washington’s Kennedy Center with President Donald Trump in attendance and a star‑led show featuring high‑profile performers and hosts.
- Iran reversed an announced boycott over U.S. visa refusals and sent representatives to the ceremony, including head coach Amir Ghalenoei.
- FIFA will publish the detailed match calendar on Saturday, while the final six qualifiers will be decided in March play‑offs.