The FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered another dramatic day of action as Belgium, France, and Spain finished on top of their respective groups, while Cabo Verde and Senegal secured places in the knockout rounds. The day also brought disappointment for Uruguay, whose tournament journey ended earlier than expected. One of the most anticipated matches featured France against Norway, with much of the attention focused on star forwards Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. However, it was Ousmane Dembele who stole the spotlight with a brilliant display that proved too much for Norway to handle. His electric performance helped France secure crushing 4-1 victory and comfortably finish as Group I winners.Spain and Belgium also completed successful group-stage campaigns by sealing top spot in their sections. Cabo Verde continued its remarkable fairytale run by advancing to the knockout stage in its first appearance on football’s biggest stage, creating one of the tournament’s biggest stories. Senegal also celebrated progression after scoring enough goals to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Meanwhile, not every side had reason to celebrate, as New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and two-time world champions Uruguay saw their World Cup dreams come to an end. Meanwhile, Iran will now face an anxious wait to learn whether their World Cup journey will continue after fighting back to earn a 1-1 draw against Egypt on Friday. Egypt had already secured a place in the Round of 32 before the match, but Iran's comeback result kept their qualification hopes alive. The point leaves Egypt second in Group G with five points, finishing behind Belgium on goal difference. Iran ended the group stage in third place with three points and must now rely on results elsewhere to determine whether they advance as one of the tournament's eight best third-placed teams.Here are some of the most memorable fan moments and standout images that captured the emotion and atmosphere from those matches.APNorway fans cheer their players on before the World Cup Group I match between Norway and France in Foxborough, near Boston.APA fan holds a shirt with words in French for France's Kylian Mbappe reading '12,500 KM from Taiwan just to support you' during the World Cup Group I match between Norway and France in Foxborough, near Boston.ReutersCabo Verde fans celebrate after their team qualifies for the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026 from Group H.APFans show their support prior to a World Cup Group H match between Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia in Houston.APFans cheer before the World Cup Group H match between Uruguay and Spain in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico.APSpanish fans display a flag during the World Cup Group H match between Uruguay and Spain in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico.APSenegal fans cheer ahead of the World Cup Group I match between Senegal and Iraq in Toronto.ReutersIraqi fan cheers their players on during World Cup Group I match between Senegal and Iraq in Toronto.ReutersNew Zealand fans support their players during World Cup Group G match between New Zealand and Belgium in Vancouver.ReutersBelgium fan wears a novelty hat during World Cup Group G match between New Zealand and Belgium in Vancouver.APEgypt fans before the start of the World Cup Group G match between Egypt and Iran in Seattle.APIranian fans cheer for their team as one holds a photograph of goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand during the World Cup Group G match between Egypt and Iran in Seattle.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 16 in pictures: Best fan moments from France, Spain, Cabo Verde and Belgium matches
Day 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 saw France, Spain, and Belgium top their groups, with Cabo Verde and Senegal advancing. While stars like Mbappe and Haaland were in action, Dembele's brilliance led France to a 4-1 win. Uruguay's journey ended, while Iran awaits their fate after a crucial draw. The day was filled with thrilling football and passionate fan moments.
















