The PuntHub view — Haaland v Mbappé
Haaland's first World Cup, and France straight away. Norway won every game in qualifying with Haaland scoring at a rate the international game has rarely seen, and Ødegaard running everything behind him. They are nobody's plucky outsider. France, meanwhile, are France: two squads deep, Mbappé at 27, and a habit of reaching finals whether they play well or not.
Hard lines on Senegal, who'd win most groups and instead get this. Mané's side are experienced, athletic and tournament-proof, and may end up the best third-placed team anywhere. Iraq are at their first finals since 1986. France v Norway is the group-stage fixture. The loser inherits the uglier half of the draw.
Verdict: France, Norway, and Senegal through in third regardless.