It’s official now. The World Cup 2026 France Group I schedule MetLife Boston Philadelphia dates have been locked in. France comes in as the defending champion, and their title defense kicks off in New Jersey. Then they head to Philadelphia. They wrap up the group stage near Boston. This guide breaks down everything you need to follow *Les Bleus* this summer.
World Cup 2026 France Group I schedule MetLife Boston Philadelphia dates
France kicks off their 2026 World Cup Group I campaign on June 16 against Senegal at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.World Cup 2026 France Group I schedule MetLife Boston Philadelphia dates. They travel to Philadelphia on June 22 to face Iraq, before wrapping up the group stage in Boston on June 26 in a highly anticipated clash against Norway.
## Overview of France in Group I – 2026 World Cup
France is a clear favorite heading into 2026. They won it all in 2018 and reached the final in 2022. The squad remains stacked. Kylian Mbappé leads the attack, Antoine Griezmann pulls the strings — this team is dangerous. Their group includes Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. Good news for fans: all three group matches are in the US. That makes travel a lot simpler.
### Group I Teams & Format
Group I brings together teams from different confederations. The top two advance to the Round of 32. The eight best third-place teams also move on.
| Team | FIFA Ranking | Confederation | Key Player |
|——|————–|—————|————|
| France | 3 | UEFA | Kylian Mbappé |
| Senegal | 18 | CAF | Sadio Mané |
| Iraq | 58 | AFC | Aymen Hussein |
| Norway | 22 | UEFA | Erling Haaland |
## Complete France Group I Match Schedule – Dates, Times & Venues
The World Cup 2026 France Group I schedule MetLife Boston Philadelphia dates are set. France will play at three iconic American stadiums.
### Match 1 – France vs. Senegal
**Date:** Tuesday, June 16, 2026
**Time:** 3:00 PM ET (Fox)
**Venue:** MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
This opener is huge. Senegal are the reigning African champions. They love to counter-attack fast. Sadio Mané is still a world-class threat. But France’s tactical experience should give them the edge. Expect over 82,000 fans at MetLife Stadium for this curtain-raiser.
**How to watch:** Fox has the broadcast. Streaming options include Fubo, YouTube TV, or Sling. SiriusXM has live radio coverage.
### Match 2 – France vs. Iraq
**Date:** Monday, June 22, 2026
**Time:** 5:00 PM ET (Fox)
**Venue:** Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Next up, France takes on Iraq in Philly. Iraq earned their spot through the AFC playoffs. They’re known for a gritty, organized defense. This game could decide the group standings. Lincoln Financial Field holds nearly 70,000 fans. The atmosphere in the “City of Brotherly Love” should be electric.
**How to watch:** Same broadcast and streaming options as the opener.
### Match 3 – Norway vs. France
**Date:** Friday, June 26, 2026
**Time:** 3:00 PM ET (Fox)
**Venue:** Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA (Boston area)
The group finale lands in New England. France faces Norway. All eyes will be on Erling Haaland. But France’s depth is built to handle threats like him. Gillette Stadium sits about 30 miles from Boston. It’s a scenic, easy-to-reach venue for the final group match.
**How to watch:** Fox and all major streaming platforms.
## Venue Guides for France Group I Matches
Each stop on the World Cup 2026 France Group I schedule MetLife Boston Philadelphia dates offers a different fan experience.
### MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)
* **Getting there:** NJ Transit runs direct trains from New York Penn Station.
* **Pro-tip:** Strict bag policy — 12x12x6 inches max. Stay in Secaucus or Jersey City to save commute time.
### Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA)
* **Getting there:** SEPTA Broad Street Line drops you at the gates. From New Jersey, the PATCO line connects to the subway.
* **Tailgating:** It’s big here. Check designated lots. Open flames aren’t allowed.
### Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA)
* **Getting there:** MBTA Commuter Rail from Boston’s South Station goes directly to the stadium. Easiest option.
* **Local flavor:** Before kickoff, check out the Patriots Hall of Fame at Patriot Place. Good way to soak up local sports culture.
## Detailed Team Profiles – Group I Opponents
* **France:** The gold standard. Mbappé’s speed, Griezmann’s vision — built to go deep.
* **Senegal:** Physical and high-energy. They won’t back down.
* **Iraq:** The dark horse. Their defensive organization can frustrate any team.
* **Norway:** Haaland and Ødegaard make them an offensive threat. Defense can be shaky.
## How to Watch France Group I Matches – TV & Streaming 2026
Every game on the World Cup 2026 France Group I schedule MetLife Boston Philadelphia dates airs on Fox and FS1. Cord-cutters can use Fubo, YouTube TV, Sling, or Hulu + Live TV. All times listed are Eastern Time.
## Travel Tips for Attending France’s World Cup Group Matches
Planning to attend? Logistics matter. Fly into Newark (EWR) or JFK for the New Jersey match. Philadelphia International (PHL) for the Philly game. Boston Logan (BOS) for the finale. June in the Northeast is usually pleasant — temps between 70°F and 85°F. Expect warm, sunny days.
## France Group I Predictions & Odds
France is the favorite to top the group. Odds sit around -200. Senegal is at +300. Norway is a dangerous long shot at +600. Iraq is the outsider at +1500. But the World Cup loves upsets. Expect some drama.
## Frequently Asked Questions
* **When is France’s first game?** June 16, 2026, against Senegal at MetLife Stadium.
* **Where can I buy tickets?** Only use the official FIFA website to avoid scams.
* **Are there direct flights?** Yes. Major hubs like Paris CDG fly direct to Newark, Philadelphia, and Boston.
* **What if France finishes second?** They’d advance to the Round of 32 against the winner of Group B.
## Conclusion – Plan Your France Group I World Cup Experience
The World Cup 2026 France Group I schedule MetLife Boston Philadelphia dates give fans a clear path to follow the defending champions. Whether you’re in the stands in New Jersey, Philadelphia, or Boston, or watching from home, get ready for June 16. France wants another trophy. The journey starts here in the US. Start your travel planning now. Don’t miss a second.