Cape Verde Reach World Cup Knockout Stage Unbeaten, Belgium, Egypt Qualify, Uruguay Out

Cape Verde made more World Cup history after holding Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw in Houston to book a place in the Round of 32 on their tournament debut.

The Blue Sharks finished second in Group H with five points after drawing all three World Cup matches, including stalemates against Spain and Saudi Arabia and a 2-2 result against Uruguay.

The Africans needed a win against Spain to avoid defeat against Uruguay and got exactly that, as La Roja won 1-0 in Guadalajara.

Cape Verde also squandered several late chances through Laros Duarte, Pina and Garry Rodrigues, but their disciplined display proved enough to seal an unbeaten passage into the knockout stage, where they will face Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

Spain Send Uruguay Crashing Out of the 2026 World Cup

Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 in Guadalajara to secure top spot in Group H and end the South Americans’ World Cup campaign. The game failed to live up to expectations, with both sides producing little quality in a physical encounter decided by a costly goalkeeping mistake.

Uruguay rarely threatened throughout the match, managing only two shots on target, both arriving after the 80th minute. Their elimination follows earlier draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde, leaving them to exit another World Cup at the group stage.

Belgium booked their place in the knockout rounds with a commanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver. Leandro Trossard struck twice before Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Jeremy Doku completed the scoring as the Red Devils finished top of Group G on goal difference.

New Zealand briefly reduced the deficit through Elijah Just, but Belgium quickly restored their advantage and wrapped up their first win of the tournament after opening with two draws. The victory sets up a Round of 32 tie against one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

Iran and Egypt played out a 1-1 draw in Seattle in a match that coincided with the city’s designated Pride Match. Rainbow flags and Pride-themed banners filled sections of the stadium despite criticism from some supporters linked to both countries.

Dembélé’s first World Cup Hat-trick Fires France to Group Victory

Ousmane Dembélé scored a first-half hat-trick as France brushed aside Norway 4-1 in Boston to finish top of Group I. Norway rested several key players, including Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, and paid the price as France raced into a commanding lead.

Thelo Aasgard briefly pulled one back before Mike Maignan saved a second-half penalty from Jorgen Strand Larsen. Désiré Doué added a late fourth to complete an emphatic victory that sends France into the knockout stage as group winners.

Senegal boosted their chances of reaching the Round of 32 with an emphatic 5-0 win over 10-man Iraq. Habib Diarra opened the scoring before Iraq were reduced to 10 players when Rebin Sulaka was sent off after a VAR review for denying Sadio Mané a clear goalscoring opportunity.

After a frustrating first half, the Lions of Teranga took complete control. Ismaïla Sarr scored his third goal of the tournament before substitute Pape Gueye netted two stunning long-range strikes.

Iliman Ndiaye completed the rout as Senegal finished third in Group I and strengthened their hopes of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams, while Iraq exited the competition without a point.