JCH-2026: France and Spain advanced to the playoffs as group winners, while Cape Verde achieved a historic result.

The third round matches in Groups I and H of the 2026 World Cup have concluded. Following the day's games, France and Spain secured first place in their respective groups and advanced to the playoff stage. World Cup debutant Cape Verde achieved a historic result, managing to advance from the group stage in its very first participation.

 

In the central match of Group I, France defeated Norway 4-1. The hero of the match was Ousmane Dembélé, who scored a hat-trick in the first half, finding the back of the net in the 7th, 20th, and 32nd minutes. The Norwegians responded with a single goal from Telo Osgor, but it was not enough to prevent defeat. In the second half, Jørgen Strand Larsen missed a penalty, and in stoppage time, Désiré Doué scored France's fourth goal, setting the final score.

 

In the other match of the group, Senegal defeated Iraq by a large margin of 5-0. Habib Diarra opened the scoring as early as the 4th minute. After Iraqi defender Rebin Sulaka received a red card and left the field in the 13th minute, the Africans effectively capitalized on their numerical advantage. In the second half, goals from Ismaïla Sarr, Pape Gueye, and Iliman Ndiaye secured a convincing victory for Senegal.

 

As a result, France became the group winner with 9 points, while Norway secured second place and a playoff spot with 6 points. Senegal, with 3 points, continues to compete for a place among the best third-placed teams. Iraq left the tournament without any points.

 

In Group H, Spain achieved a minimal 1-0 victory over Uruguay. The only goal of the match was scored by Álex Baena in the 42nd minute. In the second half, the Uruguayans tried to equalize, but the Spanish defense put on a reliable performance. In the final minutes of the match, Uruguayan player Agustín Canobbio received a red card and left the field.

 

In the parallel match, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia played to a 0-0 draw. This result brought a historic achievement for the African representatives. Cape Verde, participating in the World Cup for the first time, accumulated 3 points from three draws and secured second place in the group, earning a playoff spot.

 

Thus, in Group H, Spain finished first with 7 points, and Cape Verde second with 3 points. Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, each having collected 2 points, bid farewell to the World Cup.