Portugal Put Five Past Uzbekistan, France and Norway Advance — World Cup Days 12–13
June 22–23, 2026
Five matches, sixteen goals, and two teams booked their tickets to the knockout stage. Here is what happened across June 22–23.
France 3-0 Iraq
France made it two wins from two with a controlled 3-0 victory over Iraq, becoming the first team through to the round of 32. Kylian Mbappé was at the heart of everything, pulling Iraq's defence apart with his movement and creating chances at will. The result never looked in doubt after France took an early lead, and they saw out the second half with the kind of composure that marks a serious contender.
France top Group I with six points and a +5 goal difference, having conceded just once in two matches.
Norway 3-2 Senegal
Norway answered every question asked of them in a thriller against Senegal. Trailing 2-1 at one stage, Norway showed the resilience that has defined their campaign so far, scoring twice in the second half to turn the game around and win 3-2. Erling Haaland was the difference-maker, and the win puts Norway through alongside France with a maximum six points of their own.
Senegal, despite spirited performances in both matches, are out. Iraq join them on the plane home.
Algeria Keep Themselves Alive
Jordan 1-2 Algeria, and the Algerians are still breathing in Group J. After losing 3-0 to Argentina on Matchday 1, Algeria needed a result against Jordan to keep their knockout hopes alive. They got it — just. Algeria went ahead, Jordan equalised, and Algeria found a winner late on to take all three points.
With Argentina already through on six points, Algeria (3 pts) sit third behind Austria (3 pts) on goal difference. Jordan (0 pts) are eliminated.
Portugal Run Riot
Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan — the biggest win of this matchday and a statement of intent from Fernando Santos' side. After drawing 1-1 with DR Congo in their opener, Portugal needed a performance. They delivered one. Bruno Fernandes ran the show from midfield, pulling the strings as Portugal scored five unanswered goals.
The win puts Portugal top of Group K on four points. Colombia and DR Congo still have a game in hand, but Portugal's goal difference swing (+5) could prove decisive heading into the final matchday.
England and Ghana Cancel Each Other Out
England 0-0 Ghana, and Group L is suddenly very tight. After both sides won their opening matches — England beat Croatia 4-2, Ghana beat Panama 1-0 — this was a cagey affair between two teams who knew a win would all but seal qualification. Neither could find a breakthrough.
The draw leaves England top on four points (GD +2) and Ghana second on four points (GD +1). Panama and Croatia, both yet to play their second matches, can still catch them.
Group Impact
Group I — France 6pts, Norway 6pts, Senegal 0pts, Iraq 0pts. Decided. France and Norway advance. The final matchday (France–Norway) settles who finishes top.
Group J — Argentina 6pts, Austria 3pts, Algeria 3pts, Jordan 0pts. Argentina are through. Austria and Algeria face off on the final day for the second spot — winner takes all.
Group K — Portugal 4pts (+5 GD), Colombia 3pts (1 match played), DR Congo 1pt (1 match played), Uzbekistan 0pts. Portugal are in control. Colombia and DR Congo meet next in what could decide second place.
Group L — England 4pts (+2 GD), Ghana 4pts (+1 GD), Panama 0pts (1 match), Croatia 0pts (1 match). Wide open. Panama and Croatia have everything to play for.
Looking Ahead
The final round of group stage matches continues on June 24–25, with several groups still finely poised. Colombia vs DR Congo in Group K and Austria vs Algeria in Group J are effectively knockout matches for second place.
France and Norway meet with top spot in Group I on the line, while Argentina can rest players against Jordan knowing they are already through.