FIFA World Cup 2026: France, Spain and Belgium Advance as the Round of 32 Picture Takes Shape

The race to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 intensified on Thursday as several nations secured their place in the knockout stage, while others saw their World Cup dreams come to an end.

France Dominates Norway to Win Group I

France confirmed its status as one of the tournament favorites with a commanding 4-1 victory over Norway. Led by a sensational hat trick from Ousmane Dembélé, Les Bleus finished atop Group I and extended their unbeaten run heading into the knockout rounds.

Despite the defeat, Norway advanced to the Round of 32 after securing second place in the group. Senegal's emphatic 5-0 victory over Iraq was not enough to overtake Norway on goal difference.

Spain Secures Group H

Spain continued its impressive campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Uruguay. The win ensured Spain finished first in Group H and maintained its perfect defensive record during the group stage.

Meanwhile, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia played to a scoreless draw, leaving the battle for qualification dependent on the best third-place rankings.

Belgium Powers Into the Knockout Stage

Belgium delivered when it mattered most, defeating New Zealand 3-0 in a crucial Group G encounter. Leandro Trossard starred with a brace as the Red Devils secured qualification for the Round of 32. New Zealand's tournament journey came to an end after a spirited campaign.

In the other Group G match, Egypt and Iran battled to a dramatic 1-1 draw. Egypt's Mohamed Salah played a key role before leaving the match with a reported hamstring concern, while Iran kept its hopes alive through the best third-place qualification route.

Qualified Teams So Far

Group Winners

• 🇲🇽 Mexico
• 🇨🇭 Switzerland
• 🇧🇷 Brazil
• 🇺🇸 United States
• 🇩🇪 Germany
• 🇳🇱 Netherlands
• 🇪🇸 Spain
• 🇫🇷 France
• 🇦🇷 Argentina

Group Runners-Up

• 🇿🇦 South Africa
• 🇨🇦 Canada
• 🇲🇦 Morocco
• 🇦🇺 Australia
• 🇨🇮 Ivory Coast
• 🇯🇵 Japan
• 🇳🇴 Norway
• 🇧🇪 Belgium

Best Third-Place Teams Currently Advancing

• 🇪🇨 Ecuador
• 🇸🇪 Sweden
• 🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina
• 🇵🇾 Paraguay
• 🇮🇷 Iran (currently in contention)

Biggest Stories of the Tournament So Far

🔥 Mexico's perfect group-stage campaign
🔥 South Africa's historic first-ever knockout qualification
🔥 Ecuador's stunning upset over Germany
🔥 Ousmane Dembélé's hat trick against Norway
🔥 Lionel Messi leading Argentina into the knockout stage
🔥 Belgium's dramatic qualification from Group G

Today's Matches to Watch (June 27)

• 🇬🇧 England vs 🇵🇦 Panama
• 🇭🇷 Croatia vs 🇬🇭 Ghana
• 🇵🇹 Portugal vs 🇨🇴 Colombia
• 🇨🇩 DR Congo vs 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan
• 🇦🇷 Argentina vs 🇯🇴 Jordan
• 🇩🇿 Algeria vs 🇦🇹 Austria

With the group stage nearing its conclusion, every match now carries enormous importance as nations fight for a place in the expanded FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32.

Who is your favorite to lift the trophy in 2026?

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