The FIFA World Cup continues on Friday, June 26, with critical matches in Groups G, H, and I that will determine qualification for the knockout stage. France and Norway will compete for the top spot in Group I, while Spain aims to secure first place in Group H.
Friday's schedule includes Norway vs. France at Boston Stadium at 3 PM EDT, Senegal vs. Iraq at Toronto Stadium at 3 PM EDT, Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia at Houston Stadium at 7 PM CDT, Uruguay vs. Spain at Estadio Guadalajara at 6 PM CST, Egypt vs. Iran at Seattle Stadium at 8 PM PDT, and New Zealand vs. Belgium at BC Place at 8 PM PDT.
Norway and France face off for the first time since a 4-0 friendly win for France in 2014. Historically, Norway has struggled against France, winning only two of their previous competitive meetings, with their last victory in 1987. Opta’s supercomputer gives France a 59.4% chance of winning.
In the Senegal vs. Iraq match, Senegal is favored with a 77.2% chance of victory. This is the first World Cup meeting between the two teams, and Senegal remains unbeaten against AFC teams in the tournament.
For Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia, the prediction is close, with Cape Verde holding a slight edge at 40.8% compared to Saudi Arabia's 33.9%. This match marks their first World Cup encounter.
Uruguay and Spain will clash for the third time in World Cup history, with both previous meetings ending in draws. Spain is favored with a 62.4% chance of winning, according to Opta.
Egypt and Iran will meet for the first time at the World Cup, having previously faced each other in a friendly. Egypt is given a 42.9% chance of victory, while Iran has a 24.9% chance.
New Zealand will face Belgium for the first time, with Belgium heavily favored at 80.3%. New Zealand has not lost in their last two World Cup matches against European teams.
As of Friday, June 26, several teams have already secured their places in the knockout stage, including Mexico, South Africa, and Brazil. Mexico remains the only team with a perfect record in the group stage.
With 13 spots still available in the Round of 32, the final group-stage matches will be crucial for teams like Egypt, Iran, and Cape Verde, who are still vying for advancement.
