France and Norway secured their places in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup from Group I after recording their second consecutive victories. Les Bleus delivered another convincing performance to defeat Iraq 3-0, while Norway overcame a spirited challenge from Senegal with a 3-2 victory on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
At Philadelphia Stadium, France’s match against Iraq drew attention after being suspended for more than two hours due to a lightning storm. However, the lengthy delay did not affect the concentration of Didier Deschamps’ side.
France captain Kylian Mbappé once again stole the spotlight by scoring twice in the 14th and 54th minutes. Ousmane Dembélé added the third goal in the 66th minute.
The brace took Mbappé’s World Cup tally to 16 goals in just 16 appearances. The achievement moves him into second place on the all-time World Cup scoring list, only two goals behind the newly established record held by Lionel Messi.
Deschamps praised his players for handling the difficult circumstances created by factors beyond their control. The match was the 42nd World Cup game of his coaching career and the first to be suspended because of weather conditions. FIFA does not have independent authority over weather-related decisions and must follow the guidance of local authorities.
“Most importantly, we completely controlled the second half, especially considering how difficult the situation was after everything that happened. The key thing is that we secured the victory and qualified tonight,” Deschamps said.
At New York/New Jersey Stadium, Norway booked its place in the knockout stage by defeating Senegal 3-2.
The result ended a long wait for the Vikings, who reached the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since 1998.
Norway opened the scoring in the 43rd minute through Marcus Holmgren Pedersen. Erling Haaland then added two more goals in the 48th and 58th minutes.
Senegal fought back through Ismaïla Sarr, who scored in the 53rd minute and again during stoppage time, but it was not enough to prevent defeat.
“It’s an incredible night and I’m very proud. I’ve always enjoyed playing for Norway since making my debut, and the World Cup has been a fantastic experience,” Haaland said.
With the victory, Norway collected six points and sits second in Group I, trailing France only on goal difference.
The two teams will face each other in their final group-stage match on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, with first place in the group on the line.***
