The Groups Decide: G, H, I in Flux

Group G: Belgium's Fortress

Belgium swept Group G with the tournament's most commanding defensive record: nine points, eight goals for, just two against. Kevin De Bruyne set the tone early (2026-016), opening the scoring against Egypt in a 3–1 win that established the group's hierarchy. Egypt, though, proved resilient. Mohamed Salah's penalty in that opener signalled they would not roll over, and they finished second on six points with a crucial 2–1 victory over Iran (2026-063) in the final round. New Zealand and Iran departed without a point—Iran's 2–0 start against New Zealand (2026-015) yielding just one draw against Senegal's neighbours and a loss to Belgium's steamroller (2026-039, 3–0). The Red Devils' progression felt inevitable from match one.

Group H: Spain's Artistry

Spain's Group H was a masterclass in controlled dominance. Four matches, four wins, nine goals for—the highest goal differential of the three pools. Lamine Yamal's speed and precision were on full display across the group stage, while Dani Olmo's threading passes and Mikel Oyarzabal's clinical finishing made Spain's attack almost impossible to contain. A 4–0 demolition of Cape Verde (2026-014) and another 4–0 rout of Saudi Arabia (2026-038) bookended a tournament that had Spain marked as a genuine contender. Uruguay qualified second (2026-037, 3–0 over Cape Verde; 2026-066, a 1–2 loss to Spain), while Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde exited with a combined zero wins. Spain's path through the group was the tournament's most aesthetically dominant.

Group I: France's Coronation Begins

France's Group I was never in doubt. Kylian Mbappé, who would finish the tournament with a staggering 13 goals, announced himself immediately: two goals in a 3–1 win over Senegal (2026-017), then a brace in a 4–0 dismantling of Iraq (2026-042). France's nine points and eight goals for left no room for drama. Senegal, the group's second-place finisher, showed grit—a 3–0 victory over Iraq (2026-062) and a 2–2 draw with Norway (2026-041) that saw Erling Haaland score twice but couldn't quite overcome the group's mathematical ceiling. Norway and Iraq bowed out; Norway's attacking power (Haaland's two goals in the draw, another pair in a 1–3 loss to France, 2026-061) proved insufficient without defensive solidity. France's group-stage form was ominous for all challengers.

The three pools delivered contrasting narratives: Belgium's defensive suffocation, Spain's attacking poetry, and France's inevitable march toward destiny. Together, they sent twelve teams forward and eight home—and signalled which nations might yet hold the trophy aloft.