Mbappe and Haaland Lead the Race for Group Supremacy as World Cup Group Play Reaches the Finish

The World Cup group stage is entering its final stretch with the last matches in Groups 7 and 9 set for Friday, June 25 at 22:00. The headline clash is France against Norway, a meeting that pits Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland against each other for the fourth time overall, and for the first time in national-team colors. The winner is positioned to finish top of the group, while the runner-up could face a difficult knockout path against Ivory Coast or Ecuador.

In Group 9, Senegal will play Iraq in Toronto for third place in the group. Senegal has looked good in both of its previous matches but still has no points at the tournament, while off-field problems continue, including unpaid matters and a lack of agreement over the coach’s contract. Iraq is chasing a surprise result and its first-ever World Cup win. Captain Ayman Hussein, 40, is doubtful after an injury in the previous round, so Ali Al-Hamdi is expected to start.

The winner of Senegal versus Iraq could meet Mexico or Switzerland in the round of 32.

In Group 7, Belgium faces New Zealand in Vancouver while Iran takes on Egypt, also at 22:00. Belgium is trying to avoid a second straight group-stage elimination and needs a positive result against New Zealand to keep its tournament alive. The Red Devils have been the better side in both matches so far but have not turned that into wins, and Dodi Lukebakio is expected to start on the right wing.

The other Group 7 match carries major stakes as well. Egypt would finish first and secure its first knockout appearance in World Cup history with a win, while Iran must win by a better margin than Belgium to top the group.