Belgium, Spain, France Advance to WC Knockout as Group Winners

Belgium, Spain and France finish top of their respective groups to advance to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, while Egypt, Norway and tournament debutants Cabo Verde also secure places in the Round of 32 after the latest round of group-stage matches.

Belgium top Group G with a 5-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver, while Egypt progress as runners-up after drawing 1-1 with Iran.

The result leaves Iran waiting to learn whether they qualify among the tournament’s best third-placed teams, while New Zealand are eliminated.

In Group H, Spain seal first place with a 1-0 win over Uruguay, ending the South American side’s World Cup campaign.

Cabo Verde make history by reaching the knockout stage in their first-ever World Cup appearance after holding Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw.

The result is enough to send Cabo Verde through as runners-up, while Saudi Arabia exit the tournament.

Earlier, France finish top of Group I with a commanding 4-1 win over Norway in Boston, inspired by a first-half hat-trick from Ousmane Dembele.

Désiré Doué adds the fourth goal for France while Norway advance to the knockout stage as group runners-up despite the defeat.

In the other Group I match, Senegal defeat Iraq 5-0, but the victory is not enough to secure automatic qualification.

Iraq finish the tournament without a point and are eliminated.

The latest results complete the knockout line-up from Groups G, H and I, with Belgium, Spain and France advancing as group winners, while Egypt, Cabo Verde and Norway also progress to the Round of 32.