FIFA World Cup: Friday schedule, predictions, standings, knockout race

Published 26 June 2026 · sports

World Cup knockout places are on the line as Groups G, H and I conclude, with fixtures, predictions, and standings. The race for the World

World Cup knockout places are on the line as Groups G, H and I conclude, with fixtures, predictions, and standings. The race for the World Cup knockout stage intensifies on Friday as the final Group G, H and I matches are played, with qualification, first place and several Round of 32 spots still up for grabs. France and Norway battle for top spot in Group I, Spain look to secure first place in Group H, while Egypt, Iran, Belgium, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia are all fighting to extend their tournaments. Away from the action on the pitch, Mexico have completed a perfect group stage, Dutch fans have turned Kansas City into a sea of orange, African teams are chasing a historic knockout showing, and heartwarming fan moments continue to capture the spirit of the tournament. Here are the latest fixtures, predictions, standings and talking points from the FIFA World Cup 2026. What is the schedule for Friday? Norway vs France at Boston Stadium in the United States at 3pm EDT (19:00 GMT) Senegal vs Iraq at Toronto Stadium, in Canada at 3pm EDT (19:00 GMT) Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia at Houston Stadium, in the US at 7pm CDT (00:00 GMT on Saturday) Uruguay vs Spain at Estadio Guadalajara in Mexico at 6pm CST (00:00 GMT on Saturday) Egypt vs Iran at Seattle Stadium in the US at 8pm PDT (03:00 GMT on Saturday) New Zealand vs Belgium at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada at 8pm PDT (03:00 GMT on Saturday) What are the predictions for Norway vs France? Norway and France meet for the first time since France’s 4-0 friendly victory in 2014, in what will be the 16th meeting between the two nations. Norway have won just two of their previous competitive meetings with France, with their last victory coming in a European Championship qualifier in 1987. They are also still searching for their first-ever World Cup win over European opposition, having drawn two and lost three of their previous five such matches. France, meanwhile, have won their last five World Cup matches against European teams. Opta’s supercomputer calculates France as the favourite, giving Les Bleus a 59.4 percent chance of victory. A draw is rated at 20.6 percent, enough for France to finish top of Group I, while Norway is given a 20 percent chance of claiming the three points, according to Opta. What are the predictions for Senegal vs Iraq? This is the first World Cup meeting between Senegal and Iraq. Senegal are unbeaten against AFC opposition at the tournament, drawing with Japan in 2018 and beating Qatar in 2022. Iraq have never faced an African team at a World Cup. Opta’s supercomputer makes Senegal the clear favourites, giving them a 77.2 percent chance of victory compared with 8.6 percent for Iraq, while the draw is rated at 14.2 percent. Senegal can no longer top Group I but still have a 72.2 percent chance of reaching the last 32. Iraq’s hopes are slim, with Opta giving them just a 1.1 percent chance of progressing. What are the predictions for Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia? This will be the first World Cup meeting between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia.