The final round of World Cup group stage action delivered high drama, emotional swings, and a defining VAR moment as Groups G, H and I concluded on Friday. In Group G, Belgium staged a stunning turnaround to snatch first place from Egypt, while Iran saw a potential victory snatched away by a controversial offside call. France dominated Group I with a historic performance from Ousmane Dembélé, and Spain edged Uruguay to top Group H.

Group G: Belgium's comeback and Iran's heartbreak

Belgium entered the day needing a win over New Zealand and help from Egypt-Iran to climb from third place. The Red Devils delivered emphatically, hammering New Zealand 5-1. Alexis Saelemakers, Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, and Romelu Lukaku all found the net, with Lukaku's header in the 86th minute providing the decisive margin. New Zealand's late consolation goal from Elijah Just briefly put Egypt back on top of the group, but Belgium's earlier goals ensured they would finish first on goal differential.

The real drama unfolded in Seattle, where Egypt and Iran played to a 1-1 draw. Iran thought they had secured a stoppage-time winner when Shoja Khalilzadeh turned in a rebound after a free kick. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled offside, sparking scenes of despair among Iranian players. The draw meant Egypt advanced as group runners-up, while Iran's fate now rests on other results as they wait to see if they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

The VAR decision was the defining moment of the match. Iran had hit the crossbar earlier through Mehdi Taremi and pushed hard for a winner. The disallowed goal left players collapsed on the pitch in tears, while Egyptian fans celebrated a result that kept their knockout stage hopes alive. Belgium's victory, combined with Egypt's draw, created a dramatic final table: Belgium first with +4 goal differential, Egypt second with +3, Iran third with -1, and New Zealand eliminated with -6.

Group H: Spain tops, Cape Verde makes history

Spain secured top spot in Group H with a 1-0 win over Uruguay, a result that eliminated the South Americans from the tournament. The winning goal came from a costly error by Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who fumbled a cross into his own net. Spain's possession-based approach controlled the game, though they lacked cutting edge. Nonetheless, they finished with seven points from three matches.

The real story in Group H, however, was Cape Verde. The tiny island nation continued its fairy-tale run by holding Saudi Arabia to a 0-0 draw, securing second place in the group and a spot in the Round of 32. Cape Verde becomes the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout stage of a World Cup, a remarkable achievement for a country with a population of just over 500,000. Their defensive discipline and counter-attacking threat earned them four points from three games. Uruguay, with just one point, crashed out after a disappointing campaign.

Group I: France cruises, Dembélé makes history

The most anticipated match of the day—France against Norway—failed to live up to the billing as Erling Haaland remained on the bench for Norway due to injury or tactical reasons. Without their star striker, Norway struggled to contain a rampant French side. Ousmane Dembélé stole the show with a stunning hat trick in just 16 minutes, the second-fastest in World Cup history. His first came in the 43rd minute, followed by two more early in the second half. Kylian Mbappé, unusually quiet, failed to score but provided an assist. France won 4-1, securing first place in Group I with a perfect nine points.

Senegal kept their knockout hopes alive with a dominant 5-0 victory over Iraq, ensuring they finish second in the group behind France. The win gave Senegal four points, enough to advance as one of the best runners-up. Iraq, making their first World Cup appearance in decades, ended with zero points but showed flashes of promise.

What it all means

The results reshaped the knockout bracket significantly. Belgium, after a rocky start, now looks dangerous with Lukaku finding form and De Bruyne pulling strings. They will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the Round of 32. Egypt, led by Mo Salah who was subbed off early in their draw as a precaution, will also advance. Iran must now wait for Saturday's matches to see if their three points are enough to progress as a third-place finisher. Their goal differential of -1 is decent, but they will be nervous.

Spain's date with destiny continues as they aim for a deep run. Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever in the knockout stage, will face a daunting opponent—likely Argentina or another group winner—but their journey has already inspired millions. France, with Dembélé now in the Golden Boot race alongside Mbappé, look like strong contenders to retain their title. The defeat of Norway eliminates one of Europe's rising teams, but Haaland's absence leaves questions about what might have been.

Key takeaways from the day

• VAR controversy: Iran's disallowed goal will be debated for years. The offside call was marginal, and the emotional toll on the players was visible. It highlights the high-stakes nature of World Cup group stage finales.
• Belgium's resilience: After losing to Egypt and drawing with Iran, the Red Devils needed a big win. They delivered with a five-goal performance that reasserted their pedigree as a top team.
• Dembélé's breakout: Often overshadowed by Mbappé, the winger announced himself as a genuine star with a hat trick that showcased his speed, skill, and finishing.
• Cape Verde's miracle: The team from the Atlantic archipelago has captured hearts worldwide. Their disciplined defense and team spirit are a testament to the beauty of the World Cup.
• Uruguay's exit: A traditional powerhouse, Uruguay failed to advance for the first time since 2006, signaling a changing of the guard in South American football.

As the group stage concludes, attention turns to Saturday's matches in Groups J, K, and L, which will determine the full Round of 32 bracket. The United States has already secured top spot in Group D, and Lionel Messi's Argentina look formidable. With upsets, VAR drama, and historic milestones, the 2026 World Cup continues to deliver unforgettable moments.

Source: Yahoo Sports News