Group I
FIFA World Cup 2026 · 4 teams · 6 matches · Top 2 advance
4
Teams
6
Matches
2
Advance
7.4
Difficulty
5.5
Avg Power
Standings
Pre-tournament projection based on Power Index. Updated as matches are played.
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8.1 |
| 2 |  | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4.5 |
| 3 |  | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.8 |
Group Difficulty
⚔️ Competitive
Avg Power: 5.5 · Std Dev: 1.88 · Score: 5.5 + 1.88 = 7.4
Formula (WC26-GA-v1.0)
DifficultyScore = avg(PowerIndex) + stdDev(PowerIndex) = 5.5 + 1.88 = 7.4
Group Outlook
Group I features strong competition across all four teams. France enters as the strongest side (Power 8.1, #4 overall). Nigeria (4.5) is the likely challenger for second place. The lower-ranked sides face an uphill battle but could produce surprises in individual matches.
Generated deterministically from Power Index WC26-PI-v1.0. Not AI opinion.
Team-by-Team Analysis
France enters Group I as one of the tournament favorites, ranked top in the group with a Power Index of 8.1. Their UEFA pedigree brings deep World Cup experience to the competition. Key strengths include a top-tier FIFA ranking (10/10), excellent squad depth (9/10), a massive global fanbase (9/10), a storied World Cup pedigree (8/10). This well-rounded profile makes them dangerous in any group stage scenario. As the group favorite, France will be expected to top the group. The biggest challenge comes from Nigeria (PI: 4.5), who are only 3.6 points behind. A slip against New Zealand could complicate advancement. Expect strong fan turnout for France matches — their global following ensures electric atmospheres at every group game. This is one of the most-watched teams in the tournament.
Nigeria enters Group I as an underdog facing a significant challenge, ranked second in the group with a Power Index of 4.5. Their CAF pedigree brings limited World Cup history but fresh energy to the competition. Nigeria are well-positioned for the second qualifying spot but face stiff competition from France (PI: 8.1). The key match will likely be against the group leader, where closing the 3.6-point Power Index gap on the pitch will be essential. Nigeria may not command the biggest crowds, but underdog narratives drive some of the best World Cup moments. A strong opening result could galvanize both the team and neutral supporters.
New Zealand enters Group I as an underdog facing a significant challenge, ranked third in the group with a Power Index of 3.8. Their OFC pedigree brings limited World Cup history but fresh energy to the competition. Qualification will be challenging for New Zealand, sitting 4.3 Power Index points behind the group leaders. However, the expanded format — where the best 8 third-placed teams advance — gives them a realistic path to the Round of 32. Beating Nigeria and competing closely with the top seeds could be enough. New Zealand may not command the biggest crowds, but underdog narratives drive some of the best World Cup moments. A strong opening result could galvanize both the team and neutral supporters.
Group Matches
Match schedule will be confirmed after group draw finalization.
6 group matches will be played. Each team faces the other three once.
Teams in Group I
Browse Groups
Group analysis powered by Power Index WC26-PI-v1.0. Difficulty scores are deterministic. SeatNav is not affiliated with FIFA.