Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
The World Cup LIVE action delivered another dramatic day as France completed a perfect group stage with a commanding 4 to 1 victory over Norway, Uruguay suffered a shock elimination after losing to Spain, and tournament debutants Cabo Verde reached the knockout rounds for the first time. The results from Friday's matches reshaped the Round of 32 bracket and confirmed several major storylines ahead of the knockout phase.
France finish with maximum points
France underlined their status as one of the tournament favourites by defeating Norway 4 to 1 at Gillette Stadium.
Ousmane Dembele produced a brilliant first half hat trick, scoring in the seventh, twentieth and thirty second minutes to put Les Bleus in complete control. Desire Doue added a fourth goal in stoppage time to complete another impressive performance from Didier Deschamps' side.
Dembele's treble was one of the fastest in FIFA World Cup history. Only Austria's Erich Probst scored a hat trick earlier in a World Cup match when he achieved the feat inside the opening twenty four minutes in 1954.
France completed the group stage with three victories, ten goals scored and none conceded. The European champions now advance as Group I winners and will face one of the best third placed teams in the Round of 32 at MetLife Stadium.
The victory also came during an emotional period for France. Head coach Didier Deschamps temporarily left the squad to attend his mother's funeral before rejoining the team after the match.
Norway had already secured qualification before kickoff and rested several key players including Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard and Alexander Sorloth. Despite the defeat, Norway progressed as Group I runners up and will meet Ivory Coast in the knockout stage.
Uruguay eliminated after costly error
Uruguay became one of the biggest casualties of the group stage after a 1 to 0 defeat against Spain ended their World Cup campaign.
Goalkeeper Fernando Muslera endured another difficult outing as Alex Baena's first half effort slipped through his hands and rolled into the net. The mistake proved decisive in Guadalajara and handed Spain top spot in Group H.
Uruguay entered the tournament with high expectations but failed to win a group stage match after drawing against Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia before losing to Spain.
The campaign was further disrupted by reports of dressing room tensions surrounding coach Marcelo Bielsa's tactics. Midfielder Federico Valverde was among the senior players reportedly involved in disagreements during the tournament.
Uruguay's frustration continued late in the match when Agustin Canobbio received a straight red card for a dangerous challenge during stoppage time.
Spain remained unbeaten and are yet to concede a goal at the tournament. However, despite topping the group, their attacking performances have not matched those of other title contenders such as France, Argentina and the Netherlands.
Cabo Verde complete remarkable debut
Cabo Verde continued one of the tournament's most inspiring stories by qualifying for the knockout rounds in their first ever FIFA World Cup appearance.
The island nation secured second place in Group H after drawing 0 to 0 with Saudi Arabia while Uruguay lost to Spain.
Cabo Verde collected valuable points through disciplined performances against Uruguay, Spain and Saudi Arabia to earn a Round of 32 meeting with defending champions Argentina led by Lionel Messi.
Their qualification ranks among the biggest surprises of the competition and represents a landmark achievement for one of the tournament's smallest nations.
Senegal keep knockout hopes alive
Senegal recorded the biggest victory of the day with a dominant 5 to 0 win over Iraq in Toronto.
Habib Diarra opened the scoring before Iraq's task became even harder when defender Rebin Sulaka received a red card in the thirteenth minute after a VAR review confirmed he had denied Sadio Mane a clear scoring opportunity.
Ismaila Sarr doubled Senegal's lead before substitute Pape Gueye produced two spectacular long range goals. Iliman Ndiaye completed the scoring late in the second half.
The victory significantly improved Senegal's goal difference and strengthened their chances of advancing as one of the best third placed teams.
For Iraq and coach Graham Arnold, the tournament ended in disappointment. Iraq failed to collect a point from three matches after qualifying through a demanding campaign.
Knockout picture takes shape
Friday's results confirmed France as one of the strongest teams entering the knockout stage, with Les Bleus finishing the group phase unbeaten and yet to concede a goal.
Spain also advanced as group winners despite another workmanlike display, while Norway moved through despite heavily rotating their lineup.
The biggest headline belonged to Cabo Verde, whose historic qualification came at Uruguay's expense and set up a blockbuster clash against Argentina.
Attention now turns to the final group matches, where Australia's Round of 32 opponent will be determined before the knockout rounds officially begin.