Norway sit top of Group I after the opening round, ahead of France on goal difference, with Senegal next up on June 22.

Group I Standings

Total goals scored in the group: 9

Norway: 4
France: 3
Senegal: 1
Iraq: 1

What It Means for Norway

Norway could not have asked for a better statistical start.

The 4–1 win over Iraq gives them not only three points, but also the strongest goal difference in the group. That matters because France also won their opening match, and Group I may still become a tight race behind the group winner.

The next match against Senegal now becomes the key fixture for Norway’s path through the group. A win would put Norway in a very strong position before the final match against France. A draw would still keep them ahead of Senegal, but it would leave more pressure on the last round. A defeat would reopen the group immediately.

This is why the Iraq result was so valuable. Norway did not just win. They bought themselves room.

Next Group I Matches

June 22
France vs Iraq — 5:00 PM EDT
Norway vs Senegal — 8:00 PM EDT

June 26
Norway vs France — 3:00 PM EDT
Senegal vs Iraq — 3:00 PM EDT

Norway leads the group after one round, but the table can change quickly.

The win over Iraq gave Norway the start they needed. The match against Senegal will tell us more. Iraq made Norway look dangerous. Senegal will test whether Norway can also look controlled.