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The Friday matches in the produced significant results in Groups G, H, and I: France reaffirmed its status as a favorite, Spain eliminated Uruguay for the second consecutive group stage, and Belgium salvaged their chances with a decisive victory when there was no room for error left.
France crushes Norway with a stellar Dembélé performance
Ousmane Dembélé, the current Ballon d'Or winner, scored a hat trick at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford to lead France to a 4-1 victory over Norway and finish first in Group I.
The Scandinavians, having already secured their qualification, fielded an alternate lineup with an eye on the next round, which allowed the French to dominate from the opening whistle.
Norway advanced nonetheless as the second in the group and will face Ivory Coast in the round of 32.
In the other match of Group I, Senegal thrashed Iraq 5-0 —the largest win in the zone— finishing in third place, awaiting to see if they secure one of the spots reserved for the best third-placed teams in the tournament.
Spain sentences Uruguay in Guadalajara
A goal by Álex Baena in the 42nd minute was enough for Spain to defeat Uruguay 1-0 at the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, securing the top spot in Group H.
La Celeste, which needed to win to continue in the tournament, once again displayed the same offensive difficulties that had hindered them in previous matches and was eliminated in the group stage for the second consecutive edition, mirroring what happened in Qatar 2022.
The team of Marcelo Bielsa never found continuity in their gameplay and concluded a tournament marked by the expulsion of Agustín Canobbio and internal tensions in the locker room, including complaints from key players like Federico Valverde regarding the physical demands of training.
Cabo Verde writes history
The other key player in Group H was Cape Verde, which drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia and achieved a historic qualification to the round of 16 in its first participation in a World Cup.
The "Blue Sharks," representing a country of just 500,000 inhabitants, finished second in their group without winning a single match, relying on a defensive solidity that was enough for them to advance.
His prize is a monumental duel: facing Argentina on July 3 in Miami.
Saudi Arabia, unable to breach that defensive wall, was eliminated.
Belgium reacts when it needed it most
After two disappointing draws against Egypt and Iran, Belgium needed to win to avoid elimination and responded with a resounding 5-1 victory over New Zealand, placing them at the top of Group G on goal difference.
Leandro Trossard scored a brace, while Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Alexis Saelemaekers completed the scoreline. Elijah Just netted a consolation goal for the Oceanians, who have been eliminated.
In the other group match, Egypt and Iran drew 1-1 in Seattle: Mahmoud Saber put the Pharaohs ahead, but Ramin Rezaeian equalized for Iran, which also had a goal disallowed in the final moments due to a controversial referee decision.
Egypt advanced as the runner-up in the group with five points, while Iran is awaiting the results from the other groups to see if they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
With this matchday, the 2026 World Cup begins to outline its strongest contenders for the knockout stage: France confirmed its title candidacy, Belgium regained momentum at the right moment, Spain performed with authority, and Cape Verde wrote one of the most memorable chapters in its football history.
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