FIFA World Cup 2026: Dembele Hat-Trick, Senegal Rout and More

France and Senegal Deliver Big Scorelines

The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage produced some emphatic results on Wednesday, with France and Senegal both running up commanding victories to stake early claims in their respective groups.

Outsmane Dembele was the standout performer of the day, completing a hat-trick as France dismantled Norway 4-1. The Paris Saint-Germain winger's treble gave Les Bleus a convincing margin and signaled that France, one of the tournament favorites, are hitting form at the right time. The result leaves Norway in a difficult position heading into their remaining fixtures.

Senegal were equally ruthless. The African side beat Iraq 5-0 in a one-sided contest that demonstrated just how large the gap can be between established football nations and sides making their way on the global stage. Senegal's front line showed pace, movement and clinical finishing throughout, and the margin of victory places them near the top of their group.

Spain v Uruguay and Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia Now Under Way

Attention has now shifted to two more Group Stage matchups that kicked off following the earlier results. Spain face Uruguay in what is arguably the most closely contested match of this round. Spain come in as one of Europe's most technically polished sides, while Uruguay carry the physical and tactical experience to trouble any opponent. The fixture has genuine knockout-round implications for both teams.

Simultaneously, Cape Verde take on Saudi Arabia. Cape Verde's presence at a World Cup remains one of the tournament's feel-good stories, and they will be eager to prove they belong at this level. Saudi Arabia, who caused one of the great World Cup upsets in 2022 when they defeated Argentina, know how to produce results under pressure.

More Teams in Action Through the Day

The schedule does not stop there. New Zealand, Belgium, Egypt and Iran are all set to play their own group stage matches over the course of the day, according to reporting by Brisbane Times.

Belgium carry significant expectations into the tournament, with a squad that blends experienced veterans and younger talent. Egypt, competing on the global stage, will be looking for a result that can give them momentum. Iran and New Zealand round out a busy day of football that spans multiple continents and styles of play.

With the group stage still in its early phases, the standings remain tight in several pools. Big wins like those posted by France and Senegal can make a significant difference to goal difference, which may ultimately determine who advances to the knockout rounds. Every goal counts, and both squads made that point emphatically on Wednesday.

Follow live updates across all matches as the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage continues to take shape.