FIFA WC 2026: Cape Verde 0-0 Saudi Arabia; Spain 1-0 Uruguay; France 4-1 Norway; Senegal 5-0 Iraq
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Across Friday’s FIFA World Cup fixtures, Cape Verde made history by reaching the knockout stage on their debut, Spain sealed top spot in Group H with a win over Uruguay, France secured Group I leadership with a dominant victory over Norway, while Senegal kept their qualification hopes alive with a big win over Iraq.
Cape Verde booked a place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage on their tournament debut after a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia secured them second place in Group H. The Blue Sharks finished the group stage unbeaten with three points, one ahead of Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, and earned a last-32 clash against defending champions Argentina at Miami Stadium on July 3.
Cape Verde looked the more dangerous side throughout the match, with Willy Semedo forcing Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais into an early save and later coming close with another effort. Saudi Arabia suffered a setback when defender Hassan Al Tambakti was stretchered off after collapsing without contact. Al Owais made crucial saves in the closing stages, denying Laros Duarte, but Cape Verde held on to secure qualification. They became the third African nation to reach the knockout round unbeaten on their World Cup debut.
Spain secured their place in the knockout stage after defeating Uruguay 1-0 in Group H. Alex Baena scored the decisive goal in the 42nd minute with a powerful strike from outside the box, helping Spain finish top of the group with seven points. Uruguay, despite creating opportunities, failed to find an equaliser and exited the tournament with two points.
Uruguay had early chances, including a missed opportunity from Darwin Nunez, while Spain threatened on the counter through Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres. Goalkeeper Unai Simon made important saves late in the game to preserve Spain’s victory, while Uruguay’s frustration ended with Agustin Canobbio receiving a red card in stoppage time.
Senegal kept their knockout hopes alive with a dominant 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq in Group I. Habib Diarra gave Senegal the lead before Iraq defender Rebin Sulaka was sent off after a VAR review. Senegal struggled initially despite the advantage but produced a strong second-half display.
Ismaila Sarr extended the lead before substitute Pape Gueye scored two spectacular long-range goals, followed by Iliman Ndiaye’s late strike. Senegal finished third behind France and Norway and must wait for results from other groups to determine whether they advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
France topped Group I after a 4-1 win over Norway, with Ousmane Dembele scoring a first-half hat-trick. Dembele opened the scoring in the seventh minute before adding two more goals to complete his treble by the 32nd minute. Norway briefly reduced the deficit through Thelo Aasgaard, but France remained in control.
Norway missed a second-half penalty opportunity, while France added a late fourth goal through Desire Doue. Both teams had already secured knockout qualification before the match, with Norway finishing second. Erling Haaland remained on the bench, leaving him level with Kylian Mbappe on four goals in the Golden Boot race.
(With IANS inputs)