NEW JERSEY, JOURNALARTA.COM – Norway topped Group B of the 2026 World Cup after Matchday 1 wrapped up on Monday, June 22, 2026, edging France on goal difference after both teams collected three points.
Two matches were played that night. At MetLife Stadium, Erling Haaland scored twice to send Norway to a dramatic 3-2 win over Senegal, the most dramatic game in the group. Ismaïla Sarr also scored a brace for Senegal, but his second goal in the 90+3 minute only narrowed the margin. Meanwhile in Philadelphia, Kylian Mbappé found the net against Iraq in the first half. One goal was enough. France won 1-0 with 79 percent possession.
Group B Standings
Norway sit at the top with a +3 goal difference, while France are second on +1 despite both teams having three points.
| Pos | Team | Played | W | D | L | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norway | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +3 | 3 |
| 2 | France | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| 3 | Iraq | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| 4 | Senegal | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -2 | 0 |
Iraq lost 0-1 to France, but their -1 goal difference is still better than Senegal, who dropped to the bottom of the table on -2. One thing matters here: the 2026 World Cup format, with 48 teams, opens a route for the eight best third-place teams across 12 groups. That means Iraq and Senegal are not out yet.
Haaland and Mbappé Make Their Mark
Haaland looked like himself. He scored twice within a 10-minute span, in the 48th and 58th minutes, adding to an earlier opener from a teammate. Norway won efficiently, even if they were nearly rattled by Sarr, who struck twice for Senegal.
France played a different game. Total control of the ball, but only one goal. Mbappé did the job in the first half, and Les Bleus chose to protect their lead rather than chase a bigger margin. Fair enough tactically, but that slim goal difference could become a problem if they draw with Norway on Matchday 2.
Matchday 2: Two Decisive Games
Norway vs France is the most anticipated clash. It brings together the two group leaders, and the winner will almost certainly take Group B and gain an advantage in the Round of 32 draw. Norway can even settle for a draw if they keep the goal difference edge.
But Iraq vs Senegal is just as tense. For both sides, it is nearly a do-or-die match. A defeat would leave qualification hopes extremely thin and fully dependent on results in other groups. Senegal, in particular, need a big win to improve their -2 goal difference and keep pace in the race for the eight best third-place spots.
Senegal do have the quality to bounce back. Sarr proved he can be dangerous last night. But against an Iraq side with the same urgency, nothing comes easy.
Key Matchday 1 Stats in Group B
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Current top scorers | Haaland 2 goals, Sarr 2 goals, Mbappé 1 goal |
| Highest possession | France 79% vs Iraq |
| Highest-scoring match | Norway 3-2 Senegal (5 goals) |
| Clean sheet team | France (0 goals conceded) |
Haaland leads the group scoring chart with two goals from one match. Mbappé has one goal, but his influence on France’s attack goes far beyond the number itself. Sarr also enters the conversation with two goals despite Senegal’s loss, showing he can be a real threat in the next match.
For live standings updates, scores, analysis, and full 2026 World Cup coverage, keep following JournalArta Special Event World Cup 2026.
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