Predictions
World Cup 2026 June 26 Preview: Norway vs France Headlines a Triple Group Finale
Friday, June 26 wraps up three more groups. Norway and France meet with both already through and first place up for grabs, Spain face Uruguay in Group H, and Egypt eye a historic first knockout spot against Iran. Here is the full slate, the times and exactly what is at stake — no predicted scores.
Friday, June 26 — Day 16 — brings the final round of matches in Groups G, H and I. Some sides are already through and playing for seeding; others are fighting for their World Cup lives, including one nation chasing a first knockout-stage appearance in its history. Here is your guide, with times in US Eastern Time and only confirmed facts — no predicted scores.
The June 26 schedule (ET)
| Time | Match | Group | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3:00 PM | Norway vs France | I | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA |
| 3:00 PM | Senegal vs Iraq | I | BMO Field, Toronto |
| 8:00 PM | Uruguay vs Spain | H | Estadio Akron, Guadalajara |
| 8:00 PM | Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia | H | NRG Stadium, Houston |
| 11:00 PM | Egypt vs Iran | G | Lumen Field, Seattle |
| 11:00 PM | New Zealand vs Belgium | G | BC Place, Vancouver |
As with every final group round, the two games in each group kick off simultaneously so no side plays knowing the other result.
Group I: Norway vs France for top spot
Both France and Norway have already qualified with perfect records, so the late kickoff in Foxborough is purely a fight for first place — and the more favourable knockout route that comes with it. France beat Senegal 3-1 and Iraq 3-0; Norway edged Iraq 4-1 and Senegal 3-2.
| Pos | Team | Pld | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | 2 | +5 | 6 |
| 2 | Norway | 2 | +4 | 6 |
| 3 | Senegal | 2 | -3 | 0 |
| 4 | Iraq | 2 | -6 | 0 |
France top the table on goal difference, so Norway will need to win to leapfrog them. In the other game, Senegal and Iraq are both already eliminated on zero points and play only for pride. Senegal’s golden generation, in particular, leave the group stage early in what has been a chastening tournament.
Group H: Spain in control, Uruguay and Cape Verde scrap for second
Spain have already qualified after a 4-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia, but top spot is not yet mathematically sealed. The story below them is tight: Uruguay and Cape Verde sit level on two points, both still alive, with World Cup debutants Cape Verde dreaming of a place in the last 32 at their very first tournament.
| Pos | Team | Pld | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 2 | +4 | 4 |
| 2 | Uruguay | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 3 | Cape Verde | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 4 | Saudi Arabia | 2 | -4 | 1 |
Uruguay face Spain in Guadalajara knowing a positive result likely secures second. Cape Verde, meanwhile, take on bottom side Saudi Arabia in Houston and will be watching the Guadalajara scoreboard closely — a win could carry the islanders into the knockouts, either directly or via the best-third-placed race. Saudi Arabia need to win and hope results elsewhere fall their way.
Group G: Egypt chase history against Iran
Group G is the tightest of the three. Egypt lead on four points after a breakthrough 3-1 win over New Zealand — their first-ever World Cup victory, ending a winless run stretching back to 1934. Iran and Belgium are level on two points, with New Zealand bottom on one but not yet eliminated.
| Pos | Team | Pld | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Egypt | 2 | +2 | 4 |
| 2 | Iran | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 3 | Belgium | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 2 | -2 | 1 |
A point against Iran would go a long way to sending Egypt through. Iran, Belgium and even New Zealand all remain in contention, making the two simultaneous late kickoffs in Seattle and Vancouver genuinely decisive. Belgium, one of the group’s pre-tournament favourites, have drawn both games so far and badly need a win over New Zealand to be sure of progressing.
What to watch for
- Norway’s bid to top a group ahead of France — a statement result for a side enjoying a golden era.
- Cape Verde’s debut dream, with the smallest of margins separating them from a historic knockout place.
- Egypt closing out a first World Cup knockout berth after their landmark first win.
- Belgium’s response under pressure after two opening draws.
- The best-third-placed picture, which Friday’s results will help finalise across the 48-team field.
For the bigger picture, see our running favourites tiers and the Group F wrap that closed out Thursday’s action.
Fixtures, kickoff times, venues and standings are per the official FIFA match schedule and cross-checked with Wikipedia and major outlets (ESPN, Sky Sports). Kickoff times are in US Eastern Time and may be subject to change. This preview contains no predicted scores.