France win the group with a +8 goal difference, Senegal crush Iraq and wait for a playoff spot

France confidently completed the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and advanced to the Round of 32 from first place.

In the final round, France defeated Norway 4-1. Ousmane Dembele was the star of the match, scoring a first-half hat-trick. He found the net in the 7th, 20th and 32nd minutes. Norway responded through Thelo Aasgaard in the 21st minute, while Desire Doue sealed the final score in stoppage time.

France have not faced serious resistance at this tournament so far. The team won Group I with a +8 goal difference and will face one of the third-placed teams in the Round of 32.

Norway, despite the defeat, comfortably finished second in the group. The team fielded a rotated lineup against France but still kept its position in the table. In the Round of 32, Norway will face Ivory Coast.

In the other match, Senegal thrashed Iraq 5-0. Iraq were reduced to 10 men in the first half and could not contain their opponents after the break.

Lamine Diarra, Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye scored for Senegal, while Papa Gueye completed a brace. Senegal were especially impressive in the second half, completely breaking down Iraq’s defence.

Senegal did everything possible to qualify for the knockout stage with three points. The team have already moved ahead of South Korea and Scotland on goal difference in the ranking of third-placed teams, but have not yet secured a place in the Round of 32.

To reach the playoffs, Senegal now need favorable results in other groups: a draw for Cape Verde, as well as defeats for Egypt and New Zealand.