This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, PC Master Deals earns from qualifying purchases.
World Cup 2026 Roundup: France & Senegal Cruise, Spain Edges Uruguay
The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is nearly complete, and the knockout picture is coming into sharp focus. Friday delivered emphatic wins, tense deciders, and a few surprises as Groups H and I wrapped up their final matchdays.
Here’s everything you need to know from June 26.
Group I: France and Senegal Roll
France 4 – 1 Norway
*Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA*
France delivered a statement performance, dismantling Norway 4-1 to finish atop Group I. Kylian Mbappé continued his torrid form with a brace, while the French defense — anchored by Dayot Upamecano — held Erling Haaland relatively quiet. Norway’s consolation goal came too late to change the outcome.
Senegal 5 – 0 Iraq
*BMO Field, Toronto, Canada*
Senegal put on an absolute clinic, thrashing Iraq 5-0 in Toronto. Sadio Mané pulled the strings in attack, and the Lions of Teranga looked every bit like a team capable of a deep knockout run. The win secures second place in Group I for Senegal.
| Team | Pts | GD | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | 9 | +8 | ✅ Qualified (Group Winner) |
| Senegal | 6 | +3 | ✅ Qualified (Runner-Up) |
| Norway | 3 | -3 | ❌ Eliminated |
| Iraq | 0 | -11 | ❌ Eliminated |
Group H: Spain Holds Firm
Spain 1 – 0 Uruguay
*Estadio Guadalajara, Zapopan, Mexico*
Spain ground out a hard-fought 1-0 win over Uruguay to claim top spot in Group H. A well-worked first-half goal was enough to separate the sides as La Roja’s possession game smothered Uruguay’s attacking threats. The result sends Uruguay home after a brave campaign.
Cape Verde 0 – 0 Saudi Arabia
*NRG Stadium, Houston, TX*
The other Group H match ended in a stalemate, with Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia playing out a 0-0 draw. Cape Verde’s point was enough to secure passage to the knockout rounds as one of the best third-place teams — a historic achievement for the tiny island nation.
| Team | Pts | GD | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 7 | +5 | ✅ Qualified (Group Winner) |
| Saudi Arabia | 4 | -1 | ✅ Qualified (Runner-Up) |
| Uruguay | 3 | -3 | ❌ Eliminated |
| Cape Verde | 3 | -2 | ✅ Third-Place Qualifier |
USA Edges Through Despite Loss
Türkiye 3 – 2 USA
*SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA*
The U.S. Men’s National Team fell 3-2 to a spirited Türkiye side on Thursday night, but the result was enough to win Group D thanks to Australia drawing Paraguay 0-0 earlier in the evening. The USMNT will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
Up Next: Group G Decides Tonight
Friday night’s action wraps up with Group G’s decisive matches:
– Egypt vs. Iran — A win for Egypt secures the group
– New Zealand vs. Belgium — Both teams need a win to keep hopes alive
Round of 32 — Confirmed Matchups So Far
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Switzerland vs. TBD (3rd place) | Sunday | Vancouver |
| 🇨🇦 Canada vs. 🇿🇦 South Africa | Sunday | Los Angeles |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil vs. 🇯🇵 Japan | Monday | Houston |
| 🇲🇦 Morocco vs. 🇳🇱 Netherlands | Monday | Guadalajara |
| 🇺🇸 USA vs. 🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina | Wednesday | Santa Clara |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico vs. TBD (3rd place) | Tuesday | Mexico City |
Looking Ahead
The expanded 48-team format means more drama than ever. With 32 teams advancing to the knockout rounds for the first time, the Round of 32 promises heavyweight clashes from the very first whistle.
Key questions going forward:
– Can France maintain its dominant form through the knockout stage?
– Will the USMNT find its rhythm after a shaky group-stage finish?
– Which third-place teams will cause the biggest upsets?
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, PC Master Deals earns from qualifying purchases. Stay tuned for more World Cup 2026 coverage, including match previews, betting tips, and streaming guides.*