Les Bleus Cruise in Philadelphia
France did not need the weather to cooperate. A 2-hour, 10-minute halftime storm delay at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia did nothing to dampen their momentum. Kylian Mbappe picked up exactly where he left off. Two goals, one Man of the Match award, and a place in the round of 32 secured.
Mbappe’s brace steered France to a convincing 3-0 win over Iraq, with Ousmane Dembele adding his first World Cup goal to complete the scoring. France were dominant throughout, pressing Iraq from the opening whistle and creating chances at will. The Iraqi side offered little in response, outclassed against a squad operating at a different level.
Mbappe now has 16 career World Cup goals. He trails only Lionel Messi, who reached 18 earlier the same day against Austria. The gap is narrowing. The race for the Golden Boot is officially on.
France top Group I with six points from two games. Their final group fixture against Norway on Friday in Boston will determine who finishes first. Two European heavyweights, both already through, meeting to decide positioning. The stakes shift, but the quality will not.
Haaland Answers Every Time
Norway did it the hard way. A rain-swept MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, a nervy finish, and a Senegal side that fought until stoppage time. None of it stopped Erling Haaland.
The Manchester City striker scored twice in the second half to give Norway a 3-2 win, clinching their spot in the knockout rounds with a game to spare. Marcus Holmgren Pedersen opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time after individual errors from Senegal’s Kalidou Koulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Haaland then took over.
His first arrived three minutes into the second half. Martin Odegaard surged forward and slid a pass into the box. Haaland’s finish was emphatic, burying the ball into the roof of the net. Ismaila Sarr pulled one back for Senegal almost immediately. Haaland responded within five minutes, steering a volley off Patrick Berg’s cross and in off the crossbar.
That is four goals in two World Cup games for the 25-year-old. Back-to-back braces. Back-to-back Man of the Match awards. He now has 59 international goals in just 52 games for Norway, the most prolific return in the world at international level.
Norway coach Stale Solbakken summed it up with admirable simplicity. “He is the best striker. He is not playing for France or Argentina, he scores for Norway.” High praise. Well-earned praise.
A Group That Just Delivered
Group I has been one of the tournament’s most compelling storylines. France and Norway through. Senegal on the brink, needing to beat Iraq by a significant margin in their final game to stand any chance of advancing as one of the best third-placed sides.
Norway recorded back-to-back wins at the World Cup for the first time in their history. That context matters. This is a squad exceeding every expectation. Haaland, Odegaard, and a well-drilled defensive structure have made them genuine dark horses for the latter stages.
The France vs Norway showdown on Friday now carries its own intrigue. Both coaches may rotate. Both will have one eye on the knockout bracket. But with Mbappe and Haaland both in form, even a dead rubber carries appointment viewing status.
Three superstars. One unforgettable Monday at the 2026 World Cup. Messi made history in Dallas. Mbappe dominated in Philadelphia. Haaland refused to be left out of the conversation in New Jersey. The group stage has rarely produced a single day this loaded.
For full Group I standings, predictions, and match previews, visit KCPredict. The full Norway vs Senegal match report, including all key moments and player ratings, is available on Sky Sports.