Day 16 of the World Cup brings another major slate of final group-stage matches, with group winners, knockout spots, and national pride all on the line.
France and Norway meet in a massive Group I showdown featuring Mbappé and Haaland, while Groups G and H remain wide open with teams still fighting to survive and advance.
Norway vs. France
Norway, Haaland, and the “Row” take on France, Mbappé, and Les Bleus in an epic Matchday 3 Group I game.
Although both countries have already qualified for the Round of 32, this match will determine the group winner, which is significant because it could lead to a so-called easier opponent in the knockouts.
France and Norway match up well against one another, having played 16 times in international competitions, but this will be the first time they have met in a World Cup match. Although France has the edge and enters as the favorite, they will need to take on Norway without their head coach, who will be away on a family matter.
This matchup features two of the most prolific goal scorers in soccer today, and that is the huge draw for fans all across the world. The expected TV audience could reach over a billion viewers.
Mbappé and Haaland are both vying for the Golden Boot and have great teammates who can deliver pinpoint passes to set them up to score.
Norway has won over fans in America with its “Row” celebration, but consider that France may play even harder in honor of its absent coach.
Pro Paul’s Pick: France wins.
Senegal vs. Iraq
Some may think this match has little merit since neither country will advance, but this Group I battle on the pitch goes much deeper for both sides.
National pride is at stake, regardless of the fact that one team has allowed six goals in two games and the other has allowed seven. These countries will be playing with heart, passion, and determination to leave the 2026 World Cup with some respect by completing group play with a win.
This game has added spice for post-World Cup bragging rights between CAF and AFC. It is a classic matchup between the African confederation and the Asian confederation.
Senegal has the edge in terms of individual skill and overall team speed, but Iraq has the determination of an underdog that everyone loves.
This game will likely go down to the wire and finish in an unexpected way, so get ready for a thrilling Group I match.
Pro Paul’s Pick: Senegal wins.
Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia
After stunning the world by earning a draw against top-seeded Spain, Cape Verde did it again with a draw against 14th-ranked Uruguay. Maybe these guys are legit and really can compete.
Cape Verde has a very good chance of advancing into the Round of 32 by taking down Saudi Arabia. I have seen this all too often: just when a team gets on a roll and starts getting results, its belief becomes everyone else’s expectation.
Many now believe Cape Verde will defeat lower-seeded Saudi Arabia by punching through a defense that has allowed five goals in two games.
Saudi Arabia has its hands full but does have the talent to overcome challenges that may present themselves in this matchup. Cape Verde is riding high with confidence, and one of the main reasons for its success is a defense that has allowed only two goals.
If Cape Verde lets up now, Saudi Arabia may deliver its first and last loss in the World Cup. That would be Cape Verde’s doom and might overshadow its earlier greatness and success.
The Blue Sharks might live the dream for another day.
Pro Paul’s Pick: Cape Verde wins.
Uruguay vs. Spain
Spain leads the group with four points and needs only a draw to secure the top spot and advance. Uruguay sits in second with two points and requires a win to control its destiny into the next round.
This is going to be a huge challenge, especially because Spain has yet to be scored on and enjoys controlling possession while creating an abundance of scoring chances.
This group is still wide open, with every country having a chance to advance. Uruguay’s situation is the toughest because they have to go up against a top contender for the World Cup trophy.
We have already seen what determination and a bit of luck can do, as shown in Ecuador’s upset against Germany, so why can’t that happen here?
It is going to be nerve-racking, and Uruguay fans can only hope there are no critical mistakes caused by emotions.
Pro Paul’s Pick: Uruguay wins.
New Zealand vs. Belgium
As much as New Zealand has been impressive, especially Elijah Just, Belgium does not look like the dark horse contender many predicted. Now, Belgium has an uphill battle to get into the next round.
This holds true for all the other teams in a tough Group G. Both New Zealand and Belgium need a win to stay in the Cup, which sets the stage for an offensive, end-to-end action match.
Both the Kiwis and the Red Devils have strength and power. This is critical on set pieces, which could be the deciding factor in a game like this.
Look for Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku and New Zealand’s Elijah Just to make an impact in this stellar matchup.
Pro Paul’s Pick: Belgium wins.
Egypt vs. Iran
Egypt sits pretty right now at the top of the table in Group G, but with a loss and a Belgium win, they could quickly drop to third after group play.
Salah is back, and that was evident in his performance last match. But he and his teammates will have to deal with a motivated and aggressive Iranian side.
Iran has the experience and team chemistry to compete with any team, but now it comes down to one game that will require attention to detail and courage for 90 minutes.
There is no question this is going to be a battle on the pitch, featuring two teams with skillful players and confidence.
Iran has faced off-field challenges with travel issues and may use that as fuel for its desire and passion, because that is exactly what it will need to take down mighty Egypt.
Pro Paul’s Pick: Egypt wins.
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