France beats Norway 4-1, Senegal thrashes Iraq 5-0 to top Group I
France defeated Norway 4-1 in their final Group I match on June 26, 2026, with Ousmane Dembele scoring a hat-trick (7', 20', 32') and Kylian Mbappe providing two assists. Thelo Aasgaard pulled one back for Norway (21') before Desire Doue sealed the win in stoppage time (90+4'). France tops the group and will face the third-placed team from Group F in the Round of 32, while Norway advances as runners-up.
In the other Group I match, Senegal crushed Iraq 5-0. Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 4th minute assisted by Alpha Seck. Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead in the 56th minute from Lamine Camara’s pass. Papa Gueye scored twice, both set up by Sarr, and Iliman Ndiaye added the final goal in the 82nd minute after a pass from Gueye. Iraq’s Rebin Sulaka saw red, and Seck was cautioned. Senegal finished third with three points, behind France and Norway, and must wait to see if their points and goal difference rank them among the eight best third‑placed teams for a knockout spot; Iraq is eliminated.
Why does this matter to Nigerian fans? Senegal’s commanding win keeps African hopes alive for a deeper World Cup run, and their fate now depends on results elsewhere in the tournament. France’s dominant performance shows the level of competition African sides will face if they advance.
Will Senegal’s goal difference be enough to secure a knockout‑stage berth, and which opponent might they face if they do? Keep an eye on the remaining Group matches to see if the Teranga Lions progress.