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| De Bruyne’s Belgium comes with an ageing squad. | Photo Credit: REUTERS |
With the tournament expanding and taking place across North America, teams are preparing for a unique challenge that combines elite competition with demanding travel schedules. While France and Spain enter the competition among the favourites, nations such as Iran, Senegal and Norway are hoping to upset the established order.
Belgium Leads Group G Amid Questions Over Ageing Squad
Belgium arrives in the United States, Canada and Mexico carrying the fading legacy of its celebrated "golden generation." The Red Devils finished third at the 2018 World Cup, but many of the stars who helped achieve that success are now in the latter stages of their careers.
Veterans Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku and Axel Witsel remain central figures, although Belgium no longer possesses the defensive stability once provided by Toby Alderweireld, Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen and Jan Vertonghen.
Coach Rudi Garcia is expected to rely heavily on his attacking options, including Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku. However, concerns remain regarding Lukaku's match fitness after a season in which he played limited football for Napoli.
Despite those concerns, Belgium remains the favourite to top Group G, which also includes Iran, Egypt and New Zealand.
Iran enters the tournament under extraordinary circumstances. The nation has qualified for four consecutive World Cups but has never progressed beyond the group stage. Ongoing military tensions involving the United States created uncertainty over participation and logistics, forcing the team to base itself in Mexico while travelling significant distances for matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Egypt's hopes largely rest on the shoulders of superstar Mohamed Salah. Widely regarded as one of Africa's greatest footballers, Salah is still searching for a defining World Cup moment after Egypt's early exit in 2018. The 33-year-old will also be keen to prove himself on the international stage following a difficult departure from Liverpool.
New Zealand, ranked lowest among the tournament's participants, will look to striker Chris Wood for inspiration. The Nottingham Forest forward has been one of the country's most reliable goalscorers and represents its biggest attacking threat.
Spain Targets Deep Run in Group H
Spain arrives at the World Cup ranked second in the world and carrying the momentum of its UEFA Euro 2024 triumph. After lifting the World Cup trophy in 2010, La Roja has struggled to replicate that success, failing to advance beyond the Round of 16 in recent editions.
This year, expectations are considerably higher.
The Spanish squad is headlined by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, whose performances for both club and country have established him as one of football's brightest talents. Alongside Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal, Yamal forms part of a dynamic attacking unit capable of troubling any defence.
Spain's midfield remains among the strongest in world football, featuring stars such as Pedri, Gavi, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz and Martin Zubimendi. Goalkeeping depth is another strength, with Unai Simon, David Raya and Joan Garcia competing for the starting role.
Uruguay is expected to provide the toughest challenge in Group H. The two-time world champion continues to rely on Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde but is entering a new era following the departures of legendary forwards Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.
Under coach Marcelo Bielsa, Uruguay hopes to build on recent successes, including victories over Brazil and Argentina and a third-place finish at the 2024 Copa America.
Saudi Arabia remains a dangerous outsider. The team stunned Argentina during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but has since undergone managerial changes, with Greek coach Georgios Donis taking charge only months before the tournament.
Completing the group is Cape Verde, one of the smallest nations ever to compete at a World Cup. The island nation is making its tournament debut and hopes to continue its remarkable footballing rise.
France Headlines Competitive Group I
Few nations enter the 2026 World Cup with stronger credentials than France.
The 1998 and 2018 champions have reached multiple finals and knockout stages over the past two decades, establishing themselves among football's modern superpowers. Coach Didier Deschamps, who won the World Cup both as a player and manager, is preparing for what is expected to be his final tournament in charge.
France's attack is led by captain Kylian Mbappe, supported by Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise. The depth of talent available to Deschamps is highlighted by the fact that highly rated youngsters Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola may begin the tournament on the bench.
France's greatest strength remains its balance. The team conceded only four goals during qualification while maintaining one of the most dangerous attacks in international football.
Senegal, however, cannot be underestimated. The African side famously defeated defending champion France during the 2002 World Cup and reached the quarterfinals. Led by Sadio Mane, Senegal possesses the experience and quality to challenge the group favourites.
Norway returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, boasting one of Europe's most exciting attacking combinations in Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. While considered underdogs, Norway has the talent to cause major surprises.
For Iraq, qualification alone represents a remarkable achievement. The nation secured its place after a dramatic playoff victory over Bolivia and enters the tournament determined to make the most of a rare appearance on football's grandest stage.
Road to Glory Begins
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, Groups G, H and I offer a compelling blend of tradition, ambition and uncertainty. France and Spain may carry the weight of expectation, but history has repeatedly shown that World Cups are rarely predictable.
From Iran's logistical challenges and Belgium's ageing stars to Norway's long-awaited return and Cape Verde's historic debut, the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in football history.