It was billed as Erling Haaland against Kylian Mbappe. This FIFA World Cup 2026™ thriller would nevertheless belong to another of planet football’s otherworldly talents. Ousmane Dembele, indeed, was uncontrollable as France felled Norway to swagger through as Group I winners. Senegal secured third spot in the section and, crucially, scored enough times to give themselves a shot of going through. Over in Group G, Spain seized top spot and eliminated two-time champions Uruguay, while Cabo Verde pocketed a third straight point to progress as pool runners-up.

Matchday 16’s result also confirmed that Egypt, England, Ghana, Paraguay and Portugal qualified for the Round of 32.

Senegal 5-0 Iraq

Group I Toronto Stadium

TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 26: Pape Gueye #26 of Senegal celebrates with teammates Sadio Mane #10 and Idrissa Gana Gueye #5 after scoring his team's third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Senegal and Iraq at Toronto Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Lions of Teranga needed to win big to have any chance of reaching the knockout phase as one of the best third-placed nations. It looked good when they took the lead – and a numerical advantage – inside the first 15 minutes, but some admirable Iraqi defending left the Senegalese with it all to do in the second half. Pape Thiaw’s team nevertheless got the job done in emphatic style, two stylish strikes from Pape Gueye helping Senegal take care of their own side of the bargain.

Norway 1-4 France

Group I Boston Stadium

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 26: Ousmane Dembele #7 of France celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Norway and France at Boston Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Haaland was buckled to the bench. Mbappe started and stylishly struck the woodwork within seconds. Then Dembele made the game his own – and emphatically demonstrated why he can be as devastating for France on the flank as he can for Paris Saint-Germain through the centre. Desire Doue sealed an opponent-alarming victory as Les Bleus secured a last-32 date at New York New Jersey Stadium. Norway will now go to Dallas Stadium to play Côte d’Ivoire.

Uruguay 0-1 Spain

Group H Guadalajara Stadium

ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - JUNE 26: Alex Baena #15 of Spain celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Uruguay and Spain at Guadalajara Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Los Charrúas required a result. They didn’t get it against La Roja. Lamine Yamal flickered his inimitable genius, but it was Alex Baena who got the only goal – one goalkeeper Fernando Muslera will be desperate to forget. After a disappointing opener, Spain sailed through.u

Cabo Verde 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Group H Houston Stadium

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 26: Diney Borges #3 and Dailon Livramento #19 of Cabo Verde celebrate after the 0-0 draw during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia at Houston Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

The odds on Cabo Verde finishing above Uruguay were huge. The odds on them navigating the group stage unbeaten were even bigger. The World Cup debutants nonetheless managed to pull off both those feats. Another draw got the Blue Sharks into the knockout phase, and sent the Green Falcons and La Celeste home. (FIFA, but headline rejigged)

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