World Cup Day 16: France-Norway for first place, Cape Verde chasing history

The final night before the 2026 World Cup group stage ends brings three decisive group battles, including the headline meeting between France and Norway. Kickoff times are 22:00 in Foxborough for Norway-France and Senegal-Iraq, 03:00 in Zappan for Spain-Uruguay and Cape Verde-Saudi Arabia, and 06:00 in Seattle and Vancouver for Egypt-Iran and Belgium-New Zealand.

In Group 9, France and Norway enter level on six points, but France leads on goal difference, +5 to Norway’s +4. France only needs a draw to finish first and secure what the article calls a more favorable path in the knockout rounds, while Norway must win to top the group. The loser will finish second. In the other match, Senegal and Iraq are both on zero points, and only a win by a wide margin can keep the winner alive as one of the eight best third-place teams; a draw would send both sides out.

Group 8 remains wide open despite Spain already having advanced. Spain leads on four points, ahead of Uruguay and Cape Verde on two each and Saudi Arabia on one. Spain can clinch first place with a win over Uruguay, which would eliminate the South Americans. If Spain and Uruguay draw, Cape Verde would need only a draw against Saudi Arabia to go through, but if Uruguay does not beat Spain, then a Cape Verde win, or a Saudi Arabian win, could decide the second qualifying spot. Cape Verde is chasing its first-ever World Cup win after drawing both of its games, including against Spain.

Group 10 is also unresolved. Egypt leads with four points and a +2 goal difference, followed by Iran and Belgium on two points and New Zealand on one. Egypt can take first place with a win over Iran, while a draw would leave Belgium and New Zealand battling for the second qualifying spot. The piece notes that the Egypt-Iran match was designated as a game dedicated to the LGBTQ community, despite the two countries’ restrictive rights records, and says Iran can still finish first.