Norway bring the tournament's clearest penalty-box question to Group I: how far can elite finishing carry a team against deeper tournament squads?
Erling Haaland changes every defensive line Norway face, but the supply from midfield and wide areas must survive pressure from France and Senegal.
Key question: Can Norway give Haaland enough high-quality service without losing midfield protection?
Knockout ceiling: Dangerous knockout outsider if they qualify cleanly and keep games direct.
France are favourites to win the whole tournament. But Senegal's 2022 Round of 16 side and Haaland's Norway make this group dangerous.
Every World Cup produces its shock stories. In 2022 it was Morocco. In 2002 it was South Korea. Here are the five teams most likely to surprise in 2026.
From established superstars to the next generation breaking through — these are the 10 players whose performances will shape the tournament.