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New Delhi: The final round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage is delivering plenty of drama as France underlined their title credentials. Not just that Cape Verde created history on their tournament debut and Uruguay’s campaign came to a disappointing end. Elsewhere, England also secured their place in the Round of 32 before playing their final Group J fixture.

France finished top of Group I with maximum points after beating Norway comfortably while Cape Verde progressed from Group H after holding Saudi Arabia to a draw. Spain’s victory over Uruguay proved decisive, sending the South American side home without a single win.

With the knockout stage now taking shape, several teams head into the next round full of confidence while others are left wondering what might have been.

The build-up was focused on Kylian Mbappe against Erling Haaland but it was Ousmane Dembele who produced the performance everyone will remember.

France had already qualified but Didier Deschamps still named a strong starting XI and his decision paid off. Dembele scored three times inside the opening 32 minutes to put France firmly in control before Norway had a chance to settle.

Mbappe and Michael Olise caused constant problems with their movement while Dembele finished every opportunity that came his way. His hat-trick was only the third of this World Cup and confirmed his growing influence for the French side.

🇫🇷 A stellar performance in Boston to top Group I 💫#FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 26, 2026

Norway improved after half-time and managed to pull one goal back through Thelo Aasgaard. They were then handed a chance to make it 3-2 after winning a penalty but Mike Maignan comfortably saved Jorgen Strand Larsen’s effort to end any hopes of a comeback.

Desire Doue added France’s fourth goal late in the match after combining well with Bradley Barcola, sealing a convincing 4-1 victory. France completed the group stage with three wins from three and now head into the Round of 32 full of confidence.

Norway’s decision to leave Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard on the bench for such an important match will also come under scrutiny after they struggled to compete during the opening half.

Cape Verde‘s dream World Cup debut continued after a disciplined goalless draw against Saudi Arabia secured their place in the knockout stage.

After knowing a point would be enough if Uruguay failed to beat Spain, Cape Verde stayed organised throughout and frustrated Saudi Arabia, who desperately needed all three points. Laros Duarte came closest to breaking the deadlock but was denied in a one-on-one situation by goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais.

Saudi Arabia struggled to create meaningful chances and finished the tournament with only one goal in three matches.

Cabo Verde – unbeaten at the #FIFAWorldCup 🇨🇻 pic.twitter.com/OhHFqaS3jb

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 27, 2026

Spain secured top spot in Group H with a narrow 1-0 victory over Uruguay. Alex Baena scored the only goal before half-time after Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera allowed a routine effort to slip through his hands.

Marcelo Bielsa reacted by replacing the experienced Muslera at the interval and later made further attacking changes, but Uruguay could not find a way past Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon despite creating better chances after the break.

Spain nearly extended their lead when Ferran Torres struck the crossbar while Uruguay’s frustration was summed up in stoppage time as Agustin Canobbio was sent off following a reckless challenge.

The defeat meant Uruguay finished the group stage without a win and were eliminated alongside Saudi Arabia while Spain and Cape Verde advanced.