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Deadspin | Cole Ragans eager to lead Royals to series win vs. Guardians     Apr 2, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Cole Ragans (55) pitches during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images   Cole Ragans will look to guide the visiting Kansas City Royals to a series victory when he starts Wednesday afternoon’s game against fellow left-hander Joey Cantillo and the Cleveland Guardians.  Ragans (0-2, 3.60 ERA) allowed an unearned run over six innings in his previous start, a 5-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. He has 13 strikeouts in two starts so far, although he allowed three home runs to the Atlanta Braves on Opening Day.   Ragans made the American League All-Star team in 2024 but was limited to 13 starts a season ago because of a groin strain in April and a rotator-cuff strain in June.  “I thought he locked it in as he went more and more,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Ragans’ most recent start. “We’re going to take that result every time — six innings. And it looked like he was probably going to get five, but then the fourth, fifth and sixth were really good.”  Ragans owns a 1-2 record with a 4.44 ERA and 26 strikeouts and eight walks in five career appearances (all starts) against the Guardians. Star slugger Jose Ramírez is 1-for-13 with a double and four strikeouts against Ragans.  After breaking through in 2025 as an effective swing man, Cantillo (0-0, 3.00 ERA) figures to be a key cog in the rotation for Cleveland this season. He allowed one run and four hits while striking out six over 5 1/3 innings in his previous start, against the Chicago Cubs on Friday. The Guardians have won both of his starts.  Cantillo told reporters he’s been trying to get his changeup in better form. It didn’t always feel right against the Cubs, he said.  “That was definitely a focal point,” Cantillo said. “Like, ‘hey, let’s throw it regardless of how the first couple end up. It’s a pitch we’ve got to throw, so keep throwing it and make the adjustment with it.”   Cantillo is 1-1 with a 1.62 ERA in five career appearances (two starts) against Kansas City. He pitched eight shutout innings against the Royals on Sept. 9, and he has allowed no more than two earned runs in any of his past nine starts dating to last season.  Cleveland squared this series with a 2-1 victory on Tuesday afternoon, thanks to a walk-off RBI single by Brayan Rocchio in the ninth inning.   Rookie infielder Juan Brito made his major league debut and finished with two hits, including a double. Cleveland added Brito to the active roster after placing Gabriel Arias on the 10-day injured list with a strained hamstring.  “Getting the first hit was a fantastic moment that’s been a dream of mine since I was a child,” Brito told Guardians TV via a translator.  The Royals mustered just one hit against the Guardians, a solo home run by Carter Jensen in the second inning. Cleveland pitchers combined to strike out 14 batters (and walk eight), with the Royals stranding seven runners.  Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said both pitching staffs had “gutsy” performances because of temperatures in the low 30s. The first pitch was moved ahead five hours because of an even chillier night-time forecast.  “It was a tough day to pitch, a tough day to get feel,” Vogt said.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Cole #Ragans #eager #lead #Royals #series #win #Guardians

Deadspin | Cole Ragans eager to lead Royals to series win vs. Guardians
Deadspin | Cole Ragans eager to lead Royals to series win vs. Guardians     Apr 2, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Cole Ragans (55) pitches during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images   Cole Ragans will look to guide the visiting Kansas City Royals to a series victory when he starts Wednesday afternoon’s game against fellow left-hander Joey Cantillo and the Cleveland Guardians.  Ragans (0-2, 3.60 ERA) allowed an unearned run over six innings in his previous start, a 5-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. He has 13 strikeouts in two starts so far, although he allowed three home runs to the Atlanta Braves on Opening Day.   Ragans made the American League All-Star team in 2024 but was limited to 13 starts a season ago because of a groin strain in April and a rotator-cuff strain in June.  “I thought he locked it in as he went more and more,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Ragans’ most recent start. “We’re going to take that result every time — six innings. And it looked like he was probably going to get five, but then the fourth, fifth and sixth were really good.”  Ragans owns a 1-2 record with a 4.44 ERA and 26 strikeouts and eight walks in five career appearances (all starts) against the Guardians. Star slugger Jose Ramírez is 1-for-13 with a double and four strikeouts against Ragans.  After breaking through in 2025 as an effective swing man, Cantillo (0-0, 3.00 ERA) figures to be a key cog in the rotation for Cleveland this season. He allowed one run and four hits while striking out six over 5 1/3 innings in his previous start, against the Chicago Cubs on Friday. The Guardians have won both of his starts.  Cantillo told reporters he’s been trying to get his changeup in better form. It didn’t always feel right against the Cubs, he said.  “That was definitely a focal point,” Cantillo said. “Like, ‘hey, let’s throw it regardless of how the first couple end up. It’s a pitch we’ve got to throw, so keep throwing it and make the adjustment with it.”   Cantillo is 1-1 with a 1.62 ERA in five career appearances (two starts) against Kansas City. He pitched eight shutout innings against the Royals on Sept. 9, and he has allowed no more than two earned runs in any of his past nine starts dating to last season.  Cleveland squared this series with a 2-1 victory on Tuesday afternoon, thanks to a walk-off RBI single by Brayan Rocchio in the ninth inning.   Rookie infielder Juan Brito made his major league debut and finished with two hits, including a double. Cleveland added Brito to the active roster after placing Gabriel Arias on the 10-day injured list with a strained hamstring.  “Getting the first hit was a fantastic moment that’s been a dream of mine since I was a child,” Brito told Guardians TV via a translator.  The Royals mustered just one hit against the Guardians, a solo home run by Carter Jensen in the second inning. Cleveland pitchers combined to strike out 14 batters (and walk eight), with the Royals stranding seven runners.  Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said both pitching staffs had “gutsy” performances because of temperatures in the low 30s. The first pitch was moved ahead five hours because of an even chillier night-time forecast.  “It was a tough day to pitch, a tough day to get feel,” Vogt said.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Cole #Ragans #eager #lead #Royals #series #win #GuardiansApr 2, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Cole Ragans (55) pitches during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Cole Ragans will look to guide the visiting Kansas City Royals to a series victory when he starts Wednesday afternoon’s game against fellow left-hander Joey Cantillo and the Cleveland Guardians.

Ragans (0-2, 3.60 ERA) allowed an unearned run over six innings in his previous start, a 5-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. He has 13 strikeouts in two starts so far, although he allowed three home runs to the Atlanta Braves on Opening Day.

Ragans made the American League All-Star team in 2024 but was limited to 13 starts a season ago because of a groin strain in April and a rotator-cuff strain in June.

“I thought he locked it in as he went more and more,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Ragans’ most recent start. “We’re going to take that result every time — six innings. And it looked like he was probably going to get five, but then the fourth, fifth and sixth were really good.”

Ragans owns a 1-2 record with a 4.44 ERA and 26 strikeouts and eight walks in five career appearances (all starts) against the Guardians. Star slugger Jose Ramírez is 1-for-13 with a double and four strikeouts against Ragans.

After breaking through in 2025 as an effective swing man, Cantillo (0-0, 3.00 ERA) figures to be a key cog in the rotation for Cleveland this season. He allowed one run and four hits while striking out six over 5 1/3 innings in his previous start, against the Chicago Cubs on Friday. The Guardians have won both of his starts.

Cantillo told reporters he’s been trying to get his changeup in better form. It didn’t always feel right against the Cubs, he said.


“That was definitely a focal point,” Cantillo said. “Like, ‘hey, let’s throw it regardless of how the first couple end up. It’s a pitch we’ve got to throw, so keep throwing it and make the adjustment with it.”

Cantillo is 1-1 with a 1.62 ERA in five career appearances (two starts) against Kansas City. He pitched eight shutout innings against the Royals on Sept. 9, and he has allowed no more than two earned runs in any of his past nine starts dating to last season.

Cleveland squared this series with a 2-1 victory on Tuesday afternoon, thanks to a walk-off RBI single by Brayan Rocchio in the ninth inning.

Rookie infielder Juan Brito made his major league debut and finished with two hits, including a double. Cleveland added Brito to the active roster after placing Gabriel Arias on the 10-day injured list with a strained hamstring.

“Getting the first hit was a fantastic moment that’s been a dream of mine since I was a child,” Brito told Guardians TV via a translator.

The Royals mustered just one hit against the Guardians, a solo home run by Carter Jensen in the second inning. Cleveland pitchers combined to strike out 14 batters (and walk eight), with the Royals stranding seven runners.

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said both pitching staffs had “gutsy” performances because of temperatures in the low 30s. The first pitch was moved ahead five hours because of an even chillier night-time forecast.

“It was a tough day to pitch, a tough day to get feel,” Vogt said.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cole #Ragans #eager #lead #Royals #series #win #Guardians

Apr 2, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Cole Ragans (55) pitches during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Cole Ragans will look to guide the visiting Kansas City Royals to a series victory when he starts Wednesday afternoon’s game against fellow left-hander Joey Cantillo and the Cleveland Guardians.

Ragans (0-2, 3.60 ERA) allowed an unearned run over six innings in his previous start, a 5-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. He has 13 strikeouts in two starts so far, although he allowed three home runs to the Atlanta Braves on Opening Day.

Ragans made the American League All-Star team in 2024 but was limited to 13 starts a season ago because of a groin strain in April and a rotator-cuff strain in June.

“I thought he locked it in as he went more and more,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Ragans’ most recent start. “We’re going to take that result every time — six innings. And it looked like he was probably going to get five, but then the fourth, fifth and sixth were really good.”

Ragans owns a 1-2 record with a 4.44 ERA and 26 strikeouts and eight walks in five career appearances (all starts) against the Guardians. Star slugger Jose Ramírez is 1-for-13 with a double and four strikeouts against Ragans.

After breaking through in 2025 as an effective swing man, Cantillo (0-0, 3.00 ERA) figures to be a key cog in the rotation for Cleveland this season. He allowed one run and four hits while striking out six over 5 1/3 innings in his previous start, against the Chicago Cubs on Friday. The Guardians have won both of his starts.

Cantillo told reporters he’s been trying to get his changeup in better form. It didn’t always feel right against the Cubs, he said.

“That was definitely a focal point,” Cantillo said. “Like, ‘hey, let’s throw it regardless of how the first couple end up. It’s a pitch we’ve got to throw, so keep throwing it and make the adjustment with it.”

Cantillo is 1-1 with a 1.62 ERA in five career appearances (two starts) against Kansas City. He pitched eight shutout innings against the Royals on Sept. 9, and he has allowed no more than two earned runs in any of his past nine starts dating to last season.

Cleveland squared this series with a 2-1 victory on Tuesday afternoon, thanks to a walk-off RBI single by Brayan Rocchio in the ninth inning.

Rookie infielder Juan Brito made his major league debut and finished with two hits, including a double. Cleveland added Brito to the active roster after placing Gabriel Arias on the 10-day injured list with a strained hamstring.

“Getting the first hit was a fantastic moment that’s been a dream of mine since I was a child,” Brito told Guardians TV via a translator.

The Royals mustered just one hit against the Guardians, a solo home run by Carter Jensen in the second inning. Cleveland pitchers combined to strike out 14 batters (and walk eight), with the Royals stranding seven runners.

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said both pitching staffs had “gutsy” performances because of temperatures in the low 30s. The first pitch was moved ahead five hours because of an even chillier night-time forecast.

“It was a tough day to pitch, a tough day to get feel,” Vogt said.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Cole #Ragans #eager #lead #Royals #series #win #Guardians

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Oregon coach asks recruits about their favorite ice cream, and it actually makes sense <div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Player evaluation is an inexact science, at best.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">For example, we are just over two weeks away from the 2026 NFL Draft, an endeavor where 32 professional teams, with every resource at their disposal, will still make mistakes after months and months of work. While there are many reasons players do not pan out at the next level, they often stem from what cannot always be seen on film, and rather what is inside that player mentally, and emotionally.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Which is why this moment from Oregon quarterback coach Koa Ka’ai stands out.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Ka’ai met the media recently, and was asked a question about evaluating potential recruits. The coach outlined how that evaluation, from his standpoint, often involves a non-football question.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">What flavor of ice cream does the recruit prefer, chocolate or vanilla?</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Now, Ka’ai does not care what flavor they pick, but he cares that they make a pick at all. He cares that they do not hesitate, and that they show conviction:</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">A quarterback wears many hats on a football team, but one of the ways to think about the position is this way: They need to diagnose and decide. A quarterback as to diagnose what a defense is doing on a particular play and then decide what to do with the football.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Of course, that process happens while some rather large people on the other side of the line of scrimmage are trying to put them in the hospital.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">As Ka’ai noted, “right, wrong, or indifferent” you need to have some kind of “conviction.” If a quarterback gets caught thinking between chocolate or vanilla in a meeting room in June, what will happen on 3rd-and-7 with a pair of linebackers walked up in the A-Gaps?</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Take what Terry Shea, whose coaching lineage includes Trent Green, Matthew Stafford, and Sam Bradford among others, had to say about the position in his fantastic book <em>Eyes Up:</em></p></div><div><blockquote class="duet--article--blockquote _1teeyfa0 ls9zuh9"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1teeyfa8 ls9zuh1">It can be argued that toughness — mental and physical — is as important as talent of self-confidence. One of the most challenging factors about quarterbacking is adjusting to the mental and emotional pressure. The pressure can be enormous in games at all levels. As the game unfolds, a quarterback’s mental toughness is keenly tested. To hang in there when you are worn down and your body hurts. To possess the nerve to release the ball with anticipation. To keep getting up after each hit. To keep coming back. To refuse to lose. This is how mental toughness is defined. A mentally tough quarterback produces the poise to play well in pressure situations and that is a defining virtue of quarterback play.</p></blockquote></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Or consider what none other than Bill Walsh wrote about quarterback play in his book <em>Finding the Winning Edge:</em></p></div><div><blockquote class="duet--article--blockquote _1teeyfa0 ls9zuh9"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup _1teeyfa8 ls9zuh1">A quarterback must have the ability to handle the stress and pressures that occur during the game. He must be able to control his emotions to a point where he can think clearly, evaluate his options, and act rationally, regardless of the situation. Similar to other aspects of quarterbacking, within a reasonable period of time, an athlete will either show that he can deal with his emotions properly within the framework of the game or demonstrate to the coaching staff (by his actions) that further effort in this regard is a waste of time.</p></blockquote></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Being decisive is a huge part of quarterback play, as is mental toughness.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">If it takes a question about ice cream to try and solve that particular riddle in evaluating a player, so be it.</p></div> #Oregon #coach #asks #recruits #favorite #ice #cream #sense

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Both France and Norway won their opening matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Those two teams can book a spot in the knockout rounds on Monday, but it is possible that the winner of Group I comes down to the heavyweight bout between those two side in the final match of group play.

Here are the scenarios in Group I ahead of the second set of matches in group play at the 2026 World Cup.

Update: With the win over Iraq, France has clinched a spot in the knockout round.

Update: With the win over Senegal, Norway has clinched a spot in the knockout round.

What are the Group I standings?

Here are the standings in Group I after the two matches scheduled for Monday, June 22.

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

France20061+56
Norway20073+46
Senegal00236-30
Iraq00117-60

What are the next Group I matches?

Here is the schedule for the remaining matches in Group I play. All times listed are Eastern.

France 3, Iraq 1
Norway 3, Senegal 2

Norway vs. France, 3:00 p.m.
Senegal vs. Iraq, 3:00 p.m.

What are the Group I scenarios?

Here are the scenarios in Group I, ahead of the two matches set for June 22. Note, the winner of Group I likely comes down to the match between Norway and France on June 26.

France clinches a spot in the Round of 32 with a win over Iraq, provided Senegal does not beat Norway.

Norway clinches a spot in the Round of 32 with a win over Senegal, provided Iraq does not beat France.

Neither side can clinch the knockout round this week, nor can either side be eliminated. These two teams play each other in the final match of group play, and a win for either team would keep them in the running for a spot in the Round of 32 as a third-place team.

Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group I.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

That leads us to why Norway nor France can clinch the group on Monday. With those two teams playing each other in the final set of matches, there is still a path for both teams to win the group. Let’s use this hypothetical: Norway beats Senegal, but Iraq shocks the world and beats France. In that scenario Norway would have six points, and both Iraq and France would have three. Iraq would own the tiebreaker over France due to the head-to-head win.

But then in the final set of matches, France beats Norway, and Senegal beats Iraq. France and Norway would each have six points, but France would win the group because of the head-to-head tiebreaker with Norway given the win over them.

That is why the winner of Group I very likely comes down to the final set of matches.

Also, at the moment Norway leads the group ahead of France, due to goal differential.

#World #Cup #Knockout #scenarios #France #Norway #Group">World Cup 2026: Knockout round scenarios for France, Norway, and Group I  Both France and Norway won their opening matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Those two teams can book a spot in the knockout rounds on Monday, but it is possible that the winner of Group I comes down to the heavyweight bout between those two side in the final match of group play.Here are the scenarios in Group I ahead of the second set of matches in group play at the 2026 World Cup.Update: With the win over Iraq, France has clinched a spot in the knockout round.Update: With the win over Senegal, Norway has clinched a spot in the knockout round.What are the Group I standings?Here are the standings in Group I after the two matches scheduled for Monday, June 22.TeamWDLGFGAGDPointsFrance20061+56Norway20073+46Senegal00236-30Iraq00117-60What are the next Group I matches?Here is the schedule for the remaining matches in Group I play. All times listed are Eastern.France 3, Iraq 1Norway 3, Senegal 2Norway vs. France, 3:00 p.m.Senegal vs. Iraq, 3:00 p.m.What are the Group I scenarios?Here are the scenarios in Group I, ahead of the two matches set for June 22. Note, the winner of Group I likely comes down to the match between Norway and France on June 26.France clinches a spot in the Round of 32 with a win over Iraq, provided Senegal does not beat Norway.Norway clinches a spot in the Round of 32 with a win over Senegal, provided Iraq does not beat France.Neither side can clinch the knockout round this week, nor can either side be eliminated. These two teams play each other in the final match of group play, and a win for either team would keep them in the running for a spot in the Round of 32 as a third-place team.Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group I.Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.That leads us to why Norway nor France can clinch the group on Monday. With those two teams playing each other in the final set of matches, there is still a path for both teams to win the group. Let’s use this hypothetical: Norway beats Senegal, but Iraq shocks the world and beats France. In that scenario Norway would have six points, and both Iraq and France would have three. Iraq would own the tiebreaker over France due to the head-to-head win.But then in the final set of matches, France beats Norway, and Senegal beats Iraq. France and Norway would each have six points, but France would win the group because of the head-to-head tiebreaker with Norway given the win over them.That is why the winner of Group I very likely comes down to the final set of matches.Also, at the moment Norway leads the group ahead of France, due to goal differential.  #World #Cup #Knockout #scenarios #France #Norway #Group

FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

That leads us to why Norway nor France can clinch the group on Monday. With those two teams playing each other in the final set of matches, there is still a path for both teams to win the group. Let’s use this hypothetical: Norway beats Senegal, but Iraq shocks the world and beats France. In that scenario Norway would have six points, and both Iraq and France would have three. Iraq would own the tiebreaker over France due to the head-to-head win.

But then in the final set of matches, France beats Norway, and Senegal beats Iraq. France and Norway would each have six points, but France would win the group because of the head-to-head tiebreaker with Norway given the win over them.

That is why the winner of Group I very likely comes down to the final set of matches.

Also, at the moment Norway leads the group ahead of France, due to goal differential.

#World #Cup #Knockout #scenarios #France #Norway #Group">World Cup 2026: Knockout round scenarios for France, Norway, and Group I

Both France and Norway won their opening matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Those two teams can book a spot in the knockout rounds on Monday, but it is possible that the winner of Group I comes down to the heavyweight bout between those two side in the final match of group play.

Here are the scenarios in Group I ahead of the second set of matches in group play at the 2026 World Cup.

Update: With the win over Iraq, France has clinched a spot in the knockout round.

Update: With the win over Senegal, Norway has clinched a spot in the knockout round.

What are the Group I standings?

Here are the standings in Group I after the two matches scheduled for Monday, June 22.

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

France20061+56
Norway20073+46
Senegal00236-30
Iraq00117-60

What are the next Group I matches?

Here is the schedule for the remaining matches in Group I play. All times listed are Eastern.

France 3, Iraq 1
Norway 3, Senegal 2

Norway vs. France, 3:00 p.m.
Senegal vs. Iraq, 3:00 p.m.

What are the Group I scenarios?

Here are the scenarios in Group I, ahead of the two matches set for June 22. Note, the winner of Group I likely comes down to the match between Norway and France on June 26.

France clinches a spot in the Round of 32 with a win over Iraq, provided Senegal does not beat Norway.

Norway clinches a spot in the Round of 32 with a win over Senegal, provided Iraq does not beat France.

Neither side can clinch the knockout round this week, nor can either side be eliminated. These two teams play each other in the final match of group play, and a win for either team would keep them in the running for a spot in the Round of 32 as a third-place team.

Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group I.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

That leads us to why Norway nor France can clinch the group on Monday. With those two teams playing each other in the final set of matches, there is still a path for both teams to win the group. Let’s use this hypothetical: Norway beats Senegal, but Iraq shocks the world and beats France. In that scenario Norway would have six points, and both Iraq and France would have three. Iraq would own the tiebreaker over France due to the head-to-head win.

But then in the final set of matches, France beats Norway, and Senegal beats Iraq. France and Norway would each have six points, but France would win the group because of the head-to-head tiebreaker with Norway given the win over them.

That is why the winner of Group I very likely comes down to the final set of matches.

Also, at the moment Norway leads the group ahead of France, due to goal differential.

#World #Cup #Knockout #scenarios #France #Norway #Group

Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group J – Jordan v Algeria – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara, California, U.S. – June 22, 2026 Jordan’s Nizar Alrashdan in action with Algeria’s Fares Chaibi REUTERS/Carlos Barria | Photo Credit: Carlos Barria

elcome to Sportstar’s Live Updates from the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Jordan and Algeria happening in San Francisco on Monday. 

#Jordan #Algeria #Live #Score #FIFA #World #Cup #AlRashdan #puts #Jordan #lead">Jordan vs Algeria Live Score, FIFA World Cup 2026: Al-Rashdan puts Jordan in lead  Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group J – Jordan v Algeria – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara, California, U.S. – June 22, 2026
Jordan’s Nizar Alrashdan in action with Algeria’s Fares Chaibi REUTERS/Carlos Barria 
                                                                          | Photo Credit:  
                                      Carlos Barria
                                                                      
                        Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group J – Jordan v Algeria – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara, California, U.S. – June 22, 2026
Jordan’s Nizar Alrashdan in action with Algeria’s Fares Chaibi REUTERS/Carlos Barria
                                                  | Photo Credit:  
                          Carlos Barria
                                              elcome to Sportstar’s Live Updates from the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Jordan and Algeria happening in San Francisco on Monday.   #Jordan #Algeria #Live #Score #FIFA #World #Cup #AlRashdan #puts #Jordan #lead

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