Cape Verde Stun the World as Teams Qualify for the Knockouts!

Photo: Reuters

One of the most anticipated matches of the group stage lived up to the billing early, but France ultimately proved far too strong, defeating Norway 4-1.

Ousmane Dembele stole the show with a superb first-half hat-trick before Desire Doue added a late fourth. Norway briefly threatened through Aasgaard after Erling Haaland and many stars were left on the bench, but Didier Deschamps' side showed why many consider them favourites for the trophy.

France finish top of Group I, while Norway also advance after finishing second.

Senegal signed off the group stage with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Iraq.

Goals from Antoine Seck, Ismaila Sarr, Idrissa Gueye (2) and Iliman Ndiaye capped off a dominant display, securing qualification into the round of 32. Iraq's hopes were ended after going down to 10 men early in the contest.

Cape Verde continued their remarkable World Cup campaign with a disciplined 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia, and remain unbeaten so far.

The point was enough to secure second place in Group H behind Spain, completing one of the biggest stories of the tournament. After entering the competition as rank outsiders, Cape Verde have reached the Round of 32 without losing a match. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, were eliminated.

Spain secured top spot in Group H with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Uruguay.

Alex Baena's first-half strike proved decisive as La Roja controlled large periods of the contest before withstanding late Uruguayan pressure. Uruguay finished with 10 men after Agustin Canobbio was sent off in stoppage time, ending their World Cup campaign with another loss.

Veteran keeper Fernando Muslera, came out of retirement to play in this World Cup, but made a huge error to give Spain the win, and was substituted early apparently at his request.

After two frustrating performances, Belgium finally found their rhythm with a convincing 5-1 victory over New Zealand.

Leandro Trossard scored twice, while Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also got on the scoresheet in a ruthless attacking display. Elijah Just grabbed a late consolation for New Zealand, but Belgium's victory secured top spot in Group G on goal difference, New Zealand bowing out.

Egypt booked their place in the Round of 32 despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Iran.

Saber opened the scoring early before Ramin Rezaeian equalised for Iran. The match finished with late drama as Iran thought they had found a winner in stoppage time, only for VAR to rule the goal out.