France Perfect, Senegal Hit Five, Cape Verde Make History — World Cup Days 16–17

Six matches, sixteen goals, and three more groups were decided. France finished the group stage with a perfect record, Senegal thrashed Iraq 5-0, and Turkey pulled off a stunning 3-2 win over the United States. Here is what happened across June 26-27.

Turkey 3-2 United States

Turkey produced the biggest shock of the day with a 3-2 win over the United States, leading 2-1 at half-time before holding on through a frantic second half. The result was not enough to keep Turkey in the tournament — they finish bottom of Group D on three points — but it denied the USA top spot. The United States still advance as group winners on six points, but this defeat raises questions ahead of the knockout stage.

Paraguay 0-0 Australia

A goalless draw was enough for Australia. Paraguay needed to win to have any chance of progressing but could not find the breakthrough against a disciplined Australian side. The point lifts Australia to second place in Group D on four points, level with Paraguay but ahead on goal difference. Australia advance to the Round of 32 for the second consecutive World Cup.

Norway 1-4 France

France confirmed top spot in Group I with a commanding 4-1 win over Norway, leading 3-1 at half-time and never looking back. Kylian Mbappé was at the heart of everything, running Norway's defence ragged with his pace and movement. The win gives France a perfect group stage record — nine points from nine, a +8 goal difference, and the look of a team peaking at the right time. Norway finish second on six points and join France in the Round of 32.

Senegal 5-0 Iraq

Senegal ended their tournament with a flourish, thrashing Iraq 5-0 in a performance that showed what they could have been capable of with a bit more luck in their earlier matches. Sadio Mané led the line with authority, and Senegal were 1-0 up at half-time before running riot in the second half. The win lifts Senegal to four points but it is not enough — they finish third in Group I and are eliminated. Iraq leave without a point.

Uruguay 0-1 Spain

Spain edged Uruguay 1-0 in a tense match that was decided before half-time by a single goal. Spain controlled possession as they always do and limited Uruguay to almost nothing in front of goal. The win gives Spain top spot in Group H on seven points, unbeaten through the group stage. Uruguay exit with two points and plenty of regrets — they were the better side for long stretches of their three matches but could not find the goals to turn draws into wins.

Cape Verde Islands 0-0 Saudi Arabia

A goalless draw was enough to send Cape Verde through to the Round of 32 for the first time in their history. Cape Verde finished their group stage unbeaten — three draws, three clean sheets — and advance as runners-up in Group H on goal difference. Saudi Arabia also exit unbeaten on two points but with a worse goal difference. It is a remarkable achievement for Cape Verde, a nation of just 600,000 people making their World Cup debut.

Group Impact

Group D — USA 6pts (winners), Australia 4pts (runners-up, GD 0), Paraguay 4pts (eliminated, GD -2), Turkey 3pts. USA and Australia advance. Paraguay miss out on goal difference despite matching Australia on points.

Group H — Spain 7pts (winners, unbeaten), Cape Verde Islands 3pts (runners-up, unbeaten), Uruguay 2pts, Saudi Arabia 2pts. Spain and Cape Verde advance in a group where all four teams kept it tight. Cape Verde's three draws were enough to make history.

Group I — France 9pts (winners, perfect record), Norway 6pts (runners-up), Senegal 3pts, Iraq 0pts. France and Norway through. Senegal's late flourish was too little, too late.

Looking Ahead

The Round of 32 is taking shape with most groups now decided. The knockout stage begins June 28 with South Africa facing Canada in the first match. France, Spain, USA, Netherlands, and Brazil are among the teams already through, while Cape Verde's fairytale run means they will feature in the knockout stage for the first time.