Today's matches:
Group I: France and Norway advance to Round of 32
Cape Verde 0-0 Saudi Arabia (FT)
Group H: Spain and Cape Verde advance to Round of 32
Group I: Belgium and Egypt advance to Round of 32
(Paraguay and Senegal also joined the Round of 32 via third place)
As it happened:
07:18 CET - You can catch up on that two hours of madness with our freshly published match reports:
Egypt survive late scare to hold onto draw as Iran await knockout round fate
Belgium save their best for last in dominant win over New Zealand to top group
Our team will have their daily highlights package up for you shortly, so keep checking in on the website and app so you don't miss a beat. The group stage concludes in the next 24 hours as Groups J through L are decided. We cannot wait for it- catch you then!
07:11 CET - We now know nine of the 16 Round of 32 matches. They are as follows:
South Africa v Canada
Brazil v Japan
Germany v Paraguay
Netherlands v Morocco
Ivory Coast v Norway
France v Sweden
USA v Bosnia & Herzegovina
Australia v Egypt
Argentina v Cape Verde
Mexico, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, Ecuador and Senegal do not yet know their opponents. Colombia, Portugal, England and Ghana are also through and will sort their final positions out tomorrow.
07:07 CET - The final standings are below. Senegal are also through to the Round of 32. Iran are in sixth on the third-place rankings and face a nervous wait. If Congo beat Uzbekistan tomorrow, Iran could be in trouble.
07:03 CET - 1-1 at full time in Seattle. Belgium and Egypt go through.
06:59 CET - IRAN HAVE A LATE GOAL DISALLOWED FOR OFFSIDE! EGYPT ARE BACK TO SECOND!
Belgium claim a 5-1 victory over New Zealand and win the group, whilst there's high drama in Seattle as Egypt complain of a handball and an offside from Iran. Shoja Khalilzadeh thought he had scored the most notable goal in Iranian football history but he was offside in the build-up.
Moments later, Saeid Ezatolahi hits the crossbar with a dangerous header. It's not their night tonigth.
06:48 CET - Now Belgium are back on top of the group after going 4-1 up! Big Romelu Lukaku scores with his first very touch of the game (again), having just come off the bench.
06:45 CET - NEW ZEALAND SCORE AND PUT EGYPT BACK ON TOP! It was a (Elijah) Just delightful strike from the top of the box.
06:40 CET - Almost 80 minutes gone in both games and it's still Belgium and Egypt advancing, and Iran in an uncertain position.
Josh Donaldson chimes in from Seattle Stadium: "Iran need a goal and quickly with 13 minutes left on the clock. They have had their best spell of the half, but cannot test Oufa Shobeir. The Egpytian goalkeeper has made just two saves all game, and if Iran keep struggling to find that final ball, then they will struggle."
Cheers, Geoff.
06:32 CET - Hydration breaks are being taken after that dramatic development. Josh Donaldson reports from Seattle Stadium: "More groans here as Belgium go 3-0 up, a bad scoreline for Egypt as well as Iran, with the Pharaohs put down to second as it stands. They have taken control of this game, though, with Omar Marmoush getting plenty of the ball. Iran are struggling to get out - remember they need a winner to progress."
06:28 CET - Belgium now leads Group G on goal difference after going three-up against New Zealand!
06:20 CET - Josh Donaldson at Seattle Stadium: "This game will not leave fifth gear. Both teams flying forward, but lacking that quality to create big chances. Iran have tried their luck from range, whilst Egypt are threatening with their two stars. They are down to just one as Mo Salah is taken off for Zizo - Seattle will hope that's not the last they see of him at this World Cup."
06:12 CET - The pressure is well and truly on Iran now after Belgium double their lead in the 50th minute through Trossard's second goal.
Iran now need to win to reclaim second spot, or even first if they can win by a 2+ goal margin. One more goal for Belgium would see them move ahead of Egypt on goal difference.
06:09 CET - Josh Donaldson reports a double change for Egypt in Seattle, with Omar Marmoush and Marwan Attia on for goalscorer Mahmoud Saber and Emam Ashour. He adds: "It's unlikely to change their shape too much, but expect Mohamed Salah to push further up. For much of the first half, he was dropping into his own half to collect the ball."
06:07 CET - Welcome back, especially to those of you across Europe and the UK joining us for the first time today. You've missed a bit overnight, including three new additions to the Round of 32: Spain and Cape Verde finished first and second in Group H, whilst Paraguay also had their spot confirmed owing to Uruguay's haul of just two points. Eight of the 16 matches have been confirmed and we'll know of at least two more in the next hour.
05:55 CET - Here's Josh Donaldson's half-time analysis from Seattle Stadium:
"As the sun sets here, these two sides are shining in a compelling encounter. Both sides look vulnerable at the back, but it's Egypt who are shading the chances. Iran need a goal, and set plays look to be their best bet given they are playing a back five. As it stands, the Pharaohs will top the group, whilst Iran will be going home. But, one feel things will change in the second half."
05:50 CET - It's half-time in Seattle and Vancouver and the live standings are still as per the graphic below, with Egypt and Belgium progressing. Iran's three points and +0 goal difference is probably but not certainly enough to advance.
05:45 CET - Both games are in first half stoppage time.
Josh Donaldson reports from Seattle Stadium: "Hossam Hassan is furious on the touchline that his Egypt players can't find a quick pass to unlock the Iranian back five. His anger was only compounded by a yellow shown to Yasser Ibrahim."
05:40 CET - New Zealand have had the momentum since conceding and aren't making things especially easy, save for that single error in defence.
05:32 CET - Belgium's lead has them back in second spot - the third time today the standings have changed:
Josh Donaldson at Seattle Stadium: "An audible groan is heard around the ground as the Belgium goal is announced. It's the Iranian fans making their concerns heard, because as it stands, they will be finishing third in the group. A goal will change all of that as they press on."
05:29 CET - Belgium huffed and they puffed and they blew the New Zealand house down. A very sloppy defensive mistake from the All Whites as they let a corner bounce, which is always a cardinal sin in football. Leandro Trossard scrambles and puts Belgium in front in this must-win encounter.
05:27 CET - Here's what our Chief Editor Josh Donaldson has made of the first 22 minutes from his vantage point at Seattle Stadium:
"No one in this stadium is a fan of the hydration break, but we all need a drink after that breathless start. It's been end-to-end action with crunching tackles flying in, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. Egypt have created openings since being pegged back, with Mo Salah at the heart of it. Iran need to get him under control, and soon, before he takes the game away from them."
05:24 CET - Plenty of action at both venues before the two matches are halted for the hydration breaks. New Zealand and Iran have both been holding on for dear life. Iran lost and regained second place in the standings during that first stanza.
05:20 CET- Flashscore's Josh Donaldson at Seattle Stadium:
"Iran have picked themselves up perfectly from the early setback, and have their equaliser. Ramin Rezaeian finishes from the tightest of angles to make it 1-1. This has the feel of a knockout game, the intensity is high, this has the makings of a classic."
Over in Vancouver, the referee is checking the VAR replay after awarding a handball penalty against New Zealand. He overruled his own initial decision, deeming Finn Surman's arm to be in a natural position.
05:15 CET - Iran equalise and move back to second place! Egypt keeper Shobeir makes a great save to his left to parry away a shot, Ramin Rezaeian gets onto it and scores with the ball almost touching the goal line.
Mohamed Abdelmonem is out of the game with injury and is replaced by Yasser Ibrahim.
05:10 CET - Egypt SAVE a penalty kick at the ten-minute mark! A penalty was awarded Egypt's Mohamed Abdelmonem, but Mehdi Taremi can't get it past Oufa Shobeir who dives in the correct direction.
Meanwhile in Vancouver, the VAR had to review a potential penalty against New Zealand but did not award it.
Flashscore's Josh Donaldson at Seattle Stadium:
"What a start here on the West Coast! After Mahmoud Saber’s opener, Iran have a chance for an instant reply from the spot, they don't take it, and this stadium erupts. The atmosphere is electric, and with so much on the line for both sides, it's only going to ramp up from here."
05:07 CET - Iran are not advancing to the Round of 32 on current results:
05:05 CET - Egypt lead! Just the start that Iran did not want as they fall below Belgium on the live standings.
World Cup debutant Mahmoud Saber gets the ball past five defenders and the goalkeeper with a lovely strike.
05:00 CET - After a pause to honour the fallen in Venezuela, both matches have kicked off.
04:55 CET - National anthems are now being sung at both venues.
04:45 CET - Belgium won't be expecting a draw against New Zealand today, but such a result could leave their chances of progression in jeopardy as three points and a goal difference of zero may not be enough, especially if Austria and Algeria draw tomorrow and Algeria finishes on four points.
There is, however, the chance for Belgium to finish second with a draw if Iran loses.
The Group G winner will play a third-place team from Groups A (South Korea), I (Senegal) or J (TBD) in Seattle, whilst the runner up faces Australia in Arlington.
04:35 CET - Whilst we await the arrival of the Group G sides, our match reports from the conclusion of Group H are now live:
Spain edge Uruguay to win group as La Celeste crash out at group stage once again
Cape Verde qualify for knockout stages after goalless draw with Saudi Arabia
04:25 CET - Our beloved editor Josh Donaldson is reporting live from Seattle Stadium, where Iran have a tough task ahead of them to seal a top-two position:
"It's a bright, blustery evening on the West Coast as Egypt and Iran do battle, with both looking to book their spots in the knockouts. There is another angle tonight, with this game designated by the Seattle Organising Committee as the Pride Match.
Both national federations have tried to block the rainbow flag from being in the stadium tonight - that was rejected by FIFA, and there are plenty on show alongside those of Egypt and Iran. On the way into the ground, it was much like any game. Egyptian fans marched to the ground in their numbers, with fans mingling in the concourses.
For most fans here, whether from Seattle or further afield, the football is the central point, as everyone has been allowed to celebrate what they want for this game. As we have said over the last two days, this is not a FIFA-sanctioned event, it is separate, and that is the feeling inside Seattle Stadium."
04:15 CET - Group G, where all four nations have the chance to finish in the top-two, now demands our attention. Here are the lineups:
04:10 CET - Confirming the final standings for Group H:
04:00 CET - CAPE VERDE FINISH SECOND! It's the stuff of fairytales. They finish 0-0 with Saudi Arabia and become the first team since Chile in 1998 to finish second in the group with three draws. Uruguay, with just two points, cannot qualify as a third-placed team. They go home early, as they did in 2022, and Saudi Arabia will join them in the departures lounge.
Uruguay's position also means that Paraguay are through as a third-placed team and will face Germany.
Cape Verde book a meeting with Leo Messi and Argentina in Miami, whilst Spain will play the runners-up of Group J.
03:55 CET - Uruguay have just five more minutes to save their World Cup. There are five more minutes left in Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia, which has an expected goals count of 1.52 to 0.27 in Cape Verde's favour.
Vozinha's mother was spotted singing and dancing in the standings - hopefully not prematurely!
03:50 CET - Betancur collects a yellow card for Uruguay and will be suspended if they advance - if this current result holds, they will not advance. Ferran Torres confirmed Uruguay's fate when he hit the crossbar in the 86th minute.
03:45 CET - We're into the 84th minute of both games, and despite Group H being one of the most open at the start of matchday three, it is so far proving to be one of the most settled.
03:35 CET - In a rare break from the tradition of keeping his starting lineups quiet until matchday, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Leo Messi will start on the bench against Jordan tomorrow. Read more here.
03:30 CET - Both games are in their hydration breaks and Uruguay are now less than 30 minutes away from crashing out at the group stage of a second successive World Cup - for the first time in their history!
03:09 CET - The second halves are underway. Uruguay withdrew Manuel Ugarte at half-time with an apparent injury concern and Bielsa has also pulled the Uruguay goalkeeper following his terrible first-half blunder. Rochet comes on for Muslera, who earns the unwanted title of being the first Uruguayan keeper subbed off at half-time in a World Cup.
03:05 CET - The last time a team finishing second in their World Cup group without winning a game was Chile all the way back in 1998. They lost their Round of 16 match 4-1 to runners-up Brazil.
02:56 CET - Here is all of the other important half-time information:
02:53 CET - It's half-time in both matches and Cape Verde are currently in the top-two!
02:49 CET - We're into first half stoppage time.
02:42 CET - We have our first goal thanks to Alex Baena, and perhaps thanks even more to a terrible goalkeeping fumble from Muslera who should have done better to get behind a bouncing shot at goal. Muslera got both hands to the ball only for it to squeeze over the top of them.
That means Cape Verde take second place in the live standings and Uruguay would be eliminated.
02:40 CET - Split-screen streaming these games needs a bit more focus than usual with both teams in the same coloured kits - white for Saudi Arabia and Spain, and a very similar dark blue for both Cape Verde and Uruguay!
02:35 CET - Worrying scenes in Houston as Hassan Tambakti goes off on a stretcher with what could be a serious injury.
02:30 CET - Don't forget to follow the live standings in our match centres and on the World Cup page throughout the rest of matchday three. As it stands, Cape Verde is in a shaky position:
02:25 CET - Both matches are in their hydration breaks after quiet starts. Cape Verde recorded the only shot on target of either game through Willy Semedo.
02:10 CET - We love the cult hero stories that unfold at every World Cup. Vozinha and his mother were shown separately on the big screen at the venue in Houston and both received enormous cheers from the spectators.
It's 0-0 in both games, ten minutes in.
02:00 CET - Both teams observed a minute of silence to pay their respects to the victims of the terrible earthquake in Venezuela, and now it's time to get down to business.
01:50 CET - Group H is shaping up to be one of the most fascinating of matchday three and it's not far away from being settled. Not a single side in the group is assured of progression, not even leaders Spain who are going all out to secure top spot in the group.
01:20 CET - A hot, mildly humid evening is expected in Houston today with temperatures unlikely to drop far below 30 degrees celsius throughout the match. The hydration break will be well appreciated by the Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia sides.
In Zapopan, weather forecasters are not ruling out lightning impacting the game between Uruguay and Spain, though storms are not expected to be widespread.
01:00 CET - With one hour to go until the next group is decided, here are the match lineups.
Uruguay have made one change, bringing in Darwin Nunez for Federico Vinas.
For Spain, Mikel Merino comes in for Dani Olmo and Marcos Llorente replaces Pedro Porro.
23:30 CET - That's a wrap on Group I at the World Cup, with France and Norway through, plus Senegal most likely progressing. Next up, it's time to move to Group H. Here's the situation there...
Heavyweights Spain will be taking on Uruguay in Zapopan, Mexico, while Cape Verde face Saudi Arabia in Houston. Both matches kick off at 02:00 CET. Spain lead the group on four points and are assured of progression, while Uruguay and Cape Verde will go through with wins, and possibly draws. Saudi Arabia have to win tonight to stay alive. Stay tuned for team news!
23:05 CET - Time is up in Toronto as well now, and Senegal have demolished Iraq 5-0 to end the stage on three points but with a goal difference (+2) that could see them progress as one of the best third-placed sides.
Iraq, meanwhile, go home after three losses from their three games.
David Parkes at Toronto Stadium: It was a ruthless display from Senegal in the second half, who decided to score for fun and all but book their place in the next round. Losing a man proved disastrous for Iraq, who had kept them out for so long until the second goal came. From there, the roof collapsed, and the Lions of Mesopotamia could not keep up with their opponents. It is all but certain that the Lions de la Téranga will be in the round of 32 now.
Read our full match report here.
22:59 CET - And with that, the referee has called time in Boston, and France have comfortably beaten a rotated Norway side, 4-1, to end their group stage with a perfect record of three wins from three.
The star of the show for Les Bleus this evening was undoubtedly Ousmane Dembele, who notched a stunning first-half hat-trick in just 25 minutes and a Flashscore player rating of 9.5.
Norway go through in second place, and we know they will have to face the Ivory Coast in the Round of 32.
Read our full match report here.
22:57 CET - France have another one, and this time it's Desire Doue scoring to make it 4-1. It's another super goal for the French, with Doue capping off a nice move with a sharp header into the top right corner. Ending the stage in style!
22:50 CET - 5-0 to Senegal now against Iraq! It's an absolute thrashing and the all-important goal difference boost that the Senegalese were after - they are now +2 in that column.
David Parkes at Toronto Stadium: Iliman Ndiaye was able to run clean in on goal, then smash his shot into the roof of the net. No chance for Hassan once again.
22:39 CET - It's turning into a thrashing for Iraq in Toronto, Senegal now lead them 4-0, and that has, importantly, put their goal difference into the positive. Pape Gueye with his second for the Lions of Teranga.
David Parkes at Toronto Stadium: The ball fell to Pape Gueye just inside the box, and he unleashed an absolute bullet. It flew past the Iraqi keeper before he even knew what happened!
22:29 CET - Ousmane Dembele has been taken off for France, after starring with three goals in the space of 25 first-half minutes. They'll be saying: 'Take a bow, son, you've been brilliant!'
Check out Dembele's match stats below:
22:26 CET - Make that 3-0 to Senegal! Pape Gueye has gotten in on the act now to take the game away from 10-man Iraq completely.
David Parkes at Toronto Stadium: Two quick-fire goals, and Senegal have all but killed the game. A bit harsh on Iraq, which had done so well with 10 men for a considerable period of time. However, the arduous task started to wear on them, and now they are left enjoying the final quarter of their World Cup. Scottish fans are left stressing now, as their hopes of advancing as one of the eight best third-place teams have become even more challenging.
22:23 CET - Senegal are starting to make their numerical advantage count; they now lead Iraq 2-0, thanks to a goal from Ismaila Sarr.
David Parkes at Toronto Stadium: Just as Senegal were about to make a triple change, they get their second. Iraq are caught napping there, as Sarr gets to the ball before Akam Hashem to slot it home. The Lions de la Téranga had started the second half as the stronger team, and it showed there.
22:18 CET - David Parkes at Toronto Stadium: Iraq were forced into a goalkeeper change at the break, as Ahmed Basil is unable to continue, with Jalal Hassan replacing him. Fortunately for the former, he did not have to face too much in the opening half. The Al Shorta man did go down during the opening half, and it is pretty clear that the fall he took might have had some more serious impact on him.
22:14 CET - Oh, here we go, Norway have been awarded a penalty, and there's no doubt about it as Oscar Bobb is taken down by Theo Hernandez in the box...
But Jorgen Strand Larsen has MISSED!!! That was a huge opportunity squandered by Norway to make it 3-2.
22:10 CET - We are getting back underway in Boston and Toronto. As ever, you can follow every kick of the ongoing matches with our LIVE audio commentary via the links above!
21:56 CET - David Parkes at Toronto Stadium: After a lengthy amount of additional time, the referee has brought an end to what was a chaotic first half.
After conceding a goal inside five minutes, then losing a man 10 minutes later, Iraq have done well to keep themselves in this match. Of course, their situation is far from ideal, but it could be much worse. They have created a couple of half-chances and have tried to go forward, which is admirable on their part.
For all of Senegal's possession since going a man up, they have not really done much to test Ahmed Basil in the Iraqi goal. The goal was one of just two shots on target from the Lions de la Téranga.
While there is still hope in the second half for the Lions of Mesopotamia, they will have to try and go for broke - whether they lose 1-0 or 4-0, they would still be out.
21:53 CET - That's that for a first half in Boston in which Dembele has completely stolen the show with the third hat-trick of this World Cup.
Thanks to that, France can probably think about resting some of their players in the second half now.
21:38 CET - OUSMANE DEMBELE HAS A HAT-TRICK! The Ballon d'Or holder restores Les Blues' two-goal cushion with his third goal of the game!
All three goals were of seriously high quality, too. A simply remarkable individual performance.
21:29 CET - David Parkes at Toronto Stadium: In the last few minutes before the first half hydration break, Iraq have adjusted to being down a man pretty well. They had a spell of possession, which included a free kick and a corner.
They still have not tested the Senegalese goalkeeper though, something that will have to change quickly
21:23 CET - Goals galore in Boston! Dembele scored another beauty, cutting inside and curling in with his left foot, but Thelo Aasgaard then responded just a minute later for Norway!
What a start to the day's action this has been.
21:15 CET - Iraq go down to 10 men! This opening period could not have gone better for Senegal.
David Parkes at Toronto Stadium: Just the start Senegal wanted and needed here at Toronto Stadium. They know exactly what they need to do, and right off the bat, Abdoulaye Seck rose highest from the corner to put them in front. While they would currently go ahead of Scotland in the ranking of third-place teams, the Lions de la Téranga want more, as made clear when one player grabbed the ball and tried to hurry it back to the centre circle.
Things have since gotten from bad to worse early on for Iraq, as Rebin Sulaka is shown a straight red card - after VAR intervention - for denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity. It is worth remembering that the Lions of Mesopotamia need to win this by at least two goals if they are to stand a chance of progressing. Anything less and they are out!
Graham Arnold has acted very quickly, sacrificing Ahmed Qasem for a more defensive change, bringing on Manaf Younis. What a disastrous situation to be in when being involved in a win-or-go-home scenario. We have seen teams find a way to win with 10 men, but this is a very tall order now for Iraq
21:10 CET - France take an early lead too! Ousmane Dembele opens the scoring with a stunner, sending a right-footed strike into the far corner from the right-hand side of the box!
21:07 CET - Senegal make the dream start! A bit of a scramble sees the ball deflect into the back of the net from a corner!
Just what the doctor ordered.
21:03 CET - We're underway, and Kylian Mbappe has hit the crossbar after just 20 seconds!
If that's a sign of things to come, Norway are in for a long night.
20:48 CET - Let's talk permutations.
If either side wins the clash between Norway and France, they'll top the group, while a draw would see France finish top of goal difference.
In the other match, a 2-0 win for Senegal would move them above Croatia, South Korea, Algeria and Scotland in the battle to go through as one of the best third-placed teams thanks to their goal difference and goals scored, and with South Korea and Scotland not playing again, that would probably be enough. As for Iraq, they need a huge win.
20:05 CET - There's also some surprising team news coming out of Toronto, where Senegal have opted to drop Nicolas Jackson, Kalidou Koulibaly, Pape Gueye and Malick Diouf. Those are huge calls from Pape Thiaw on a night where his side need a big win.
19:47 CET - The lineups are in for the clash between Norway and France, and the big news is that the Norwegians are putting out a second-string side, with Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard and numerous other key players being rested.
France have also rotated slightly, with William Saliba and Adrien Rabiot dropping to the bench, but their frightening attack is at full strength.
17:35 CET - Besides Norway vs France, the other match this evening in Group I sees Senegal taking on Iraq, also from 21:00 CET.
The situation is straightforward for both sides: With zero points on the board, they simply must win and then hope that three points will get them through as one of the best third-placed sides.
Senegal go into the match in Toronto as the heavy favourites, and one man who could be key for them is veteran midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye.
We took a closer look at the numbers that defined Gueye's two matches at the World Cup so far in our latest data-based feature - read that here!
17:16 CET - Two of the world's best strikers, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, are set to go head-to-head this evening, as they look to fire their respective nations to the top of Group I.
Our football features writer, Jason Pettigrove, has taken a closer look at both forwards, as well as some of the other key talking points ahead of Norway vs France at 21:00 CET.
13:30 CET - Good afternoon and welcome to our coverage of day 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup!
It promises to be a fascinating day of action ahead, with France and Norway battling it out for top spot in Group I, while the point-less Senegal and Iraq target a minor miracle to finish as one of the best third-placed sides.
Following those matches, Groups G and H also conclude later on, with European champions Spain looking to secure top spot ahead of Uruguay, while Egypt and Belgium take on Iran and New Zealand, respectively.
As always, catch up on all of yesterday's action with our daily highlights, or relive all of the drama as it unfolded in the day 15 live tracker.
FIFA World Cup 2026
The 2026 World Cup is taking place from June 11th to July 19th in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament features 48 national teams and is played at 16 modern stadiums.
Match schedule and times | Group tables | How to watch the World Cup | World Cup Format | Past winners of the World Cup
