France are favourites to top Group I, but the presence of a ruthless Erling Haaland makes Norway the team to watch out for. Then there is Senegal, who are still bruised by the AFCON final fiasco and want to ensure a memorable send-off for their legendary attacker Sadio Mané. On paper, Iraq look the weaker side, likely to get bullied by their more competent group mates. But anything is possible when it comes to the FIFA World Cup.
Here is a look at four players who could define the group encounters involving the former world champions, the West African powerhouses, the Scandinavian dark horses, and an unpredictable Arab unit:
Group I: Senegal, Iraq, France, and Norway
France: Kylian Mbappé
The man needs little introduction. France start their campaign with their captain, Kylian Mbappé, at the centre of the project and a squad to make most rivals envious. The only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final in the 21st century (and second overall), Mbappé is also within range of becoming the highest scorer in the history of the World Cup, having scored 12 goals combined in the past two tournaments.
Iraq: Aymen Hussein
Aymen Hussein scored the goal that famously took Iraq to their first FIFA World Cup in four decades. Two years ago, the striker gave Iraqis a similar cheer by scoring to hand the side its first victory over Japan in 42 years during an Asian Cup group stage match. He managed a brace against the Samurai Blue in that epic encounter. The Al-Karma striker is no stranger to fan fury and criticism over the course of his career, but there is no denying that he is the Arab team's most potent attacking option at the tournament.
Senegal: Sadio Mané
There is no denying the fact that at 34, Sadio Mané is no longer the player he was at Liverpool. However, Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr teammate will once again lead the line for the African powerhouses. The tournament is expected to be Mané's final major international tournament, and he will be hoping to take his team deep into the competition. The two-time African Footballer of the Year has managed an impressive 54 goals and 28 assists from 125 games for his nation.
Norway: Erling Haaland
THE WEEK had earlier reported that the Norwegians have been in fine form and are far from a one-man team. The goal-hungry No. 9 will be fed by captain Martin Ødegaard and the precise-crossing right-back Julian Ryerson. Arguably the finest striker in the world, Haaland is going to be crucial if the Vikings are to rise above the Senegalese and French challenge. They are back after a 28-year-long hiatus, mainly due to an incredible qualification campaign led by Haaland, who scored 16 goals in eight matches. No other player in European qualifying came close or could reach the double-figure mark.
