Mbappé vs Haaland is Going to be Cinema: World Cup Group I Preview
We are less than a week from the World Cup kicking off in Mexico as the host nation takes on South Africa in a rematch of the 2010 World Cup opener, and the hype is beginning to reach its height as teams have their final tune-up games this weekend.
As we continue breaking down each group of the biggest World Cup ever, with 48 teams, we are at Group I, the true “Group of Death” of the tournament.
And the faceoff that every fan across the world can’t wait for between two of the best players on the planet.
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Game of the Group: France vs. Norway
Kylian Mbappé. Erling Haaland.
That’s it. That’s all you need to get excited for the battle between France and Norway.
Two of the best attacking teams not only in this tournament but maybe we’ve seen in the 21st century, clashing against each other not in the quarterfinals or semifinals but in the group stage.
It’s a battle between arguably the two best pure goal scorers of their generation, facing off in Boston, with even the most casual soccer fans interested.
While France does have a loaded roster and beats Norway position by position, do not overlook Norway. Although Haaland is their best player, this is not a one-player team; they have top talent alongside the Manchester City striker, such as Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard and Atlético Madrid’s Alexander Sørloth.
Player of the Group: Kylian Mbappé (France, Real Madrid)
Mbappé has led France to back-to-back World Cup Finals, winning one and then scoring a hat trick in the other, and he still has fans cursing his name at the Eiffel Tower before the tournament begins.
That’s because he left Paris Saint-Germain for his boyhood dream of Real Madrid, only for the French club to go back-to-back in the Champions League, and now he is entering the World Cup as arguably the No. 1 player but with something to prove.
While Mbappé will be doubted and chastised for his lack of defensive responsibility before it begins, all of that will be forgotten if the opening game against Senegal begins and he scores two goals to lead France to another deep run.
Group Prediction
While I’d love to be a contrarian and take Norway or even Senegal here, France is too good a team not to take first place in this group, regardless of how difficult it is.
Senegal and Norway both have electric offenses and, along with France, should be aiming for a quarterfinal or higher finish. While I think Senegal will make it out of the group, most likely crushing Iraq, their defense will get shredded by Haaland and company.
For Iraq, the tournament feels over before it even starts. They’re taking on three elite offenses, and if they can even steal a point from this group, it’ll be a massive accomplishment.
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This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 6:21 PM.