France and Norway wrapped up the second matchday of Group I at the 2026 World Cup with a perfect record, securing their spots in the round of 16. Meanwhile, Senegal and Iraq were mathematically eliminated without earning a single point.
The first two matchdays unfolded without any major surprises, although the matches were intense. On June 16, France kicked off with a 3-1 victory over Senegal at MetLife Stadium. Kylian Mbappé delivered a double, and Ousmane Barcola added another goal. That same day, Norway dominated Iraq 4-1 at Boston's Gillette Stadium, featuring a double from Erling Haaland and additional goals by Østigård and Thorstvedt.
France and Norway Dominate Group I
In the second matchday, France secured their advancement with a decisive 3-0 win against Iraq at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field. Mbappé scored in the 13th and 54th minutes, while Dembélé sealed the victory in the 66th minute. With this double, the Real Madrid forward reached his 15th World Cup goal, becoming France's all-time top scorer in World Cup history, as reported by EuropaPress.
Norway, on the other hand, staged a comeback against Senegal, winning 3-2 at MetLife Stadium. Pedersen opened the scoring in the 43rd minute, Haaland netted in the 48th and 58th minutes with an assist from Ødegaard on the second, and Ismaila Sarr scored twice for the Africans in the 53rd and 90+2 minutes. Haaland now boasts four goals in the tournament after just two matches.
Standings and Scenarios for the Final Matchday
After two matchdays, the standings are as follows:
- 1. France - 6 points, +5 goal difference
- 2. Norway - 6 points, +4 goal difference
- 3. Senegal - 0 points, -3 goal difference
- 4. Iraq - 0 points, -6 goal difference
France leads based on goal difference, although both teams have six points. Senegal and Iraq, with zero points and goal differences of -3 and -6 respectively, are out of contention for advancing, even as one of the best third-placed teams. In the 2026 World Cup format, the top eight third-placed teams from 12 groups advance to the round of 16, but this requires at least one point.
On Friday, June 26, at 3:00 PM Cuba time (7:00 PM UTC), all four teams will play simultaneously: Norway vs. France at Boston's Gillette Stadium and Senegal vs. Iraq at Toronto's BMO Field.
The clash between the two qualified teams has real stakes: the group leadership. If Norway wins, they take the top spot; if France prevails, they secure first place. A draw will keep France in the lead due to their superior goal difference (+5 vs. +4). The order is significant because the group winner avoids facing another group's runner-up in the round of 16, potentially leading to a more manageable path to the quarterfinals.
Senegal and Iraq, already eliminated, will play without the pressure of qualification. Their players will use the match to enhance individual stats for their leagues and finish the tournament respectably.
The simultaneous match schedule follows FIFA's standard format to prevent collusion between teams, although in this case, France and Norway have no incentive to collude: both are through and are only contesting for the top spot.
FAQs on Group I Outcomes
What are the stakes for France and Norway in the final matchday?
France and Norway will compete for the leadership of Group I. The winner will avoid facing a runner-up from another group in the round of 16, potentially easing their path to the quarterfinals.
Can Senegal or Iraq still advance in the World Cup?
No, Senegal and Iraq have been eliminated and cannot advance to the next round, as they have zero points and insufficient goal differences.
How did Kylian Mbappé make history in this World Cup?
Kylian Mbappé became France's all-time top scorer in World Cup history by reaching his 15th goal during their match against Iraq.