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Alex Mott·26 June 2026
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Alex Mott·26 June 2026
The race for the Round of 32 intensifies today as Groups G, H and I reach their dramatic conclusion.
France, Spain and Norway have all impressed after their first two matches, while several nations are still fighting to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
Here are the big questions on Day 16.
Senegal v Iraq
This is a last-chance saloon for both nations.
Senegal arrived at the tournament with high expectations but have suffered defeats to both France and Norway, leaving them rooted to the bottom of Group I. Iraq have endured a similarly frustrating campaign, losing their opening two matches and scoring just once. The winner may still have an outside chance of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams, but anything less than victory will end their hopes.
Senegal possess greater experience at this level and should have enough quality to finish their tournament on a positive note.
Our prediction: Senegal 2-0 Iraq
Norway v France
Top spot in Group I is on the line in Boston.
Both sides have already booked their place in the Round of 32 after winning their opening two matches. France know a draw will be enough to finish first thanks to their superior goal difference, while Norway must win if they are to leapfrog Les Bleus. France may rotate with qualification already secured, but Norway are also expected to rest some key players after an impressive start that has seen them score seven goals in two games.
This has all the ingredients of an entertaining encounter between two attack-minded teams.
Our prediction: Norway 1-2 France
Cabo Verde v Saudi Arabia
One of the stories of the tournament continues in Houston.
World Cup debutants Cabo Verde have captured the imagination of neutrals after drawing with both Spain and Uruguay. Their disciplined defending and fearless approach mean they head into the final matchday with qualification still firmly within reach. Saudi Arabia began with a draw against Uruguay before suffering a heavy defeat to Spain and now need a result to keep their hopes alive.
Cabo Verde have looked the more organised side throughout the group stage and may be able to complete a memorable qualification campaign.
Our prediction: Cabo Verde 1-1 Saudi Arabia
Uruguay v Spain
The headline fixture of Group H.
Spain have been among the most convincing teams of the tournament so far. After being held by Cabo Verde in their opener, they responded emphatically by defeating Saudi Arabia 4-0 and now sit top of the group. Uruguay remain unbeaten after draws with Saudi Arabia and Cabo Verde, but they know they may need a positive result against the Spaniards to guarantee progress.
Spain's control in possession and attacking quality should make the difference against a Uruguay side that has struggled to turn draws into wins.
Our prediction: Uruguay 1-1 Spain
Egypt v Iran
Everything remains up for grabs in Group G.
Egypt bounced back from an opening draw with Belgium by defeating New Zealand and head into the final round in a strong position. Iran, meanwhile, drew with New Zealand and then held Belgium to a goalless stalemate, leaving them well placed but still needing a result to be certain of qualification.
Both teams have shown defensive resilience, but Egypt's greater attacking threat could prove decisive.
Our prediction: Egypt 2-1 Iran
New Zealand v Belgium
Belgium cannot afford any slip-ups.
The Red Devils have drawn both of their matches so far and unexpectedly head into the final round without a victory. New Zealand earned a creditable draw against Iran but were beaten by Egypt and now require a major upset to keep their hopes alive. Belgium still possess one of the most talented squads in the competition and should have enough firepower to secure the win they need.
Expect Belgium to dominate possession and eventually pull clear.
Our prediction: New Zealand 0-2 Belgium
📸 Emilee Chinn - 2026 Getty Images
Mohamed Salah continues to be one of the standout performers of the World Cup.
The Egypt captain was instrumental in his side's impressive display against Belgium and remains the player most capable of deciding a match with a single moment of brilliance.
If Egypt are to secure their place in the knockout rounds, expect Salah to be at the centre of everything they do going forward.
Norway have never beaten a fellow European nation at the World Cup, having played five, drawn two and lost three. Interestingly, all three of those defeats have come against Italy.
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