Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 issues stem from poor auction and captaincy choice, says Sanjay Manjrekar The comeback win over the Rajasthan Royals has breathed some life back into the Kolkata Knight Riders’ campaign after a winless start to IPL 2026.A spirited bowling performance, led by spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine, followed by a crucial seventh-wicket partnership between Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy, helped the side jump off bottom place in the standings temporarily.Victory at the Eden Gardens was only a small relief from the disappointing beginning to the season endured by the three-time champion. Injuries have played a major part in handicapping the side’s bowling arsenal, with India internationals Harshit Rana and Akash Deep ruled out with injury ahead of the tournament. Big money signing Matheesha Pathirana has just joined the team after recovering from an injury during the T20 World Cup.Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar attributed KKR’s poor start to their auction strategy and their decision to hand the leadership to Ajinkya Rahane.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58JRdBRAbIk[/embed]“KKR let go of Shreyas Iyer for whatever reason after a successful season and then picked a guy who didn’t get picked in the first round of bidding and made him captain. Captaincy in T20 cricket is huge and has a massive impact on the results,” Manjrekar said on Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast.“Ajinkya Rahane, the player, has also diminished. He’s lost his place on the Indian team. He’s not a natural T20 player. CSK got the best out of Rahane in the first six overs, but he was struggling post-six overs when the field spread out. He’s just not firing at the top of the order and can’t bat down as well. But he might as well bat down to accommodate the destructive T20 batters [Finn Allen and Tim Seifert],” he reasoned.Manjrekar also explained that the KKR leadership has not utilised Australian all-rounder Cameron Green properly so far in the tournament, after bagging him for a whopping INR 25.20 crore.“I just feel tall bowlers who hit the deck [like Green] are always going to be a risky option in India. I would use Green the batter a lot more. He’s also gone up and down the order a lot, so if you want to back a certain player, then you’ve got to stick with that player at a certain position,” he opined.Published on Apr 23, 2026 #Kolkata #Knight #Riders #IPL #issues #stem #poor #auction #captaincy #choice #Sanjay #Manjrekar

Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 issues stem from poor auction and captaincy choice, says Sanjay Manjrekar
The comeback win over the Rajasthan Royals has breathed some life back into the Kolkata Knight Riders’ campaign after a winless start to IPL 2026.
A spirited bowling performance, led by spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine, followed by a crucial seventh-wicket partnership between Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy, helped the side jump off bottom place in the standings temporarily.
Victory at the Eden Gardens was only a small relief from the disappointing beginning to the season endured by the three-time champion. Injuries have played a major part in handicapping the side’s bowling arsenal, with India internationals Harshit Rana and Akash Deep ruled out with injury ahead of the tournament. Big money signing Matheesha Pathirana has just joined the team after recovering from an injury during the T20 World Cup.
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar attributed KKR’s poor start to their auction strategy and their decision to hand the leadership to Ajinkya Rahane.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58JRdBRAbIk[/embed]
“KKR let go of Shreyas Iyer for whatever reason after a successful season and then picked a guy who didn’t get picked in the first round of bidding and made him captain. Captaincy in T20 cricket is huge and has a massive impact on the results,” Manjrekar said on Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast.
“Ajinkya Rahane, the player, has also diminished. He’s lost his place on the Indian team. He’s not a natural T20 player. CSK got the best out of Rahane in the first six overs, but he was struggling post-six overs when the field spread out. He’s just not firing at the top of the order and can’t bat down as well. But he might as well bat down to accommodate the destructive T20 batters [Finn Allen and Tim Seifert],” he reasoned.
Manjrekar also explained that the KKR leadership has not utilised Australian all-rounder Cameron Green properly so far in the tournament, after bagging him for a whopping INR 25.20 crore.
“I just feel tall bowlers who hit the deck [like Green] are always going to be a risky option in India. I would use Green the batter a lot more. He’s also gone up and down the order a lot, so if you want to back a certain player, then you’ve got to stick with that player at a certain position,” he opined.
Published on Apr 23, 2026
#Kolkata #Knight #Riders #IPL #issues #stem #poor #auction #captaincy #choice #Sanjay #Manjrekar

The comeback win over the Rajasthan Royals has breathed some life back into the Kolkata Knight Riders’ campaign after a winless start to IPL 2026.

A spirited bowling performance, led by spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine, followed by a crucial seventh-wicket partnership between Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy, helped the side jump off bottom place in the standings temporarily.

Victory at the Eden Gardens was only a small relief from the disappointing beginning to the season endured by the three-time champion. Injuries have played a major part in handicapping the side’s bowling arsenal, with India internationals Harshit Rana and Akash Deep ruled out with injury ahead of the tournament. Big money signing Matheesha Pathirana has just joined the team after recovering from an injury during the T20 World Cup.

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar attributed KKR’s poor start to their auction strategy and their decision to hand the leadership to Ajinkya Rahane.

“KKR let go of Shreyas Iyer for whatever reason after a successful season and then picked a guy who didn’t get picked in the first round of bidding and made him captain. Captaincy in T20 cricket is huge and has a massive impact on the results,” Manjrekar said on Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast.

“Ajinkya Rahane, the player, has also diminished. He’s lost his place on the Indian team. He’s not a natural T20 player. CSK got the best out of Rahane in the first six overs, but he was struggling post-six overs when the field spread out. He’s just not firing at the top of the order and can’t bat down as well. But he might as well bat down to accommodate the destructive T20 batters [Finn Allen and Tim Seifert],” he reasoned.

Manjrekar also explained that the KKR leadership has not utilised Australian all-rounder Cameron Green properly so far in the tournament, after bagging him for a whopping INR 25.20 crore.

“I just feel tall bowlers who hit the deck [like Green] are always going to be a risky option in India. I would use Green the batter a lot more. He’s also gone up and down the order a lot, so if you want to back a certain player, then you’ve got to stick with that player at a certain position,” he opined.

Published on Apr 23, 2026

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#Kolkata #Knight #Riders #IPL #issues #stem #poor #auction #captaincy #choice #Sanjay #Manjrekar

Tag kkr ipl 2026 kkr ipl 2026 auction kkr ipl 2026 rahane kolkata knight riders kolkata knight riders auction kolkata knight riders captaincy kolkata knight riders ipl kolkata knight riders ipl 2026 kolkata knight riders poor form kolkata knight riders rahane

Deadspin | Report: Kelsey Mitchell still committed to upstart Project B <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/27216966.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/27216966.jpg" alt="WNBA: Playoffs-Indiana Fever at Las Vegas Aces" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Sep 30, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) celebrates after making a play against the Las Vegas Aces during the second quarter of game five of the second round of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Kelsey Mitchell might be wavering on an overseas commitment due to the major improvement in the WNBA salary structure.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>But the upstart Project B told Front Office Sports on Thursday that the Indiana Fever star is still committed to the global touring league that will begin play in December.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Mitchell signed a one year, $1.4 million deal with Indiana earlier this month. On Wednesday, she told reporters at the Fever’s media day that it would take a “drastic, unique situation” for her to play overseas during the WNBA offseason.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“Where I’m at in my career now, I’d rather play it smart,” Mitchell said. “Make sure my body is what it needs to be. And then also, respecting my craft. I feel like sometimes when you go overseas, you lose sight on some of the perfecting of the skills that you miss out on just because you’re going to try to make a couple dollars.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>“I got a soul so I’d rather make sure that I’m right before I want to keep going overseas and missing out on a lot.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>Mitchell, 30, is entering her ninth WNBA season. She is a three-time All-Star and averaged a career-high 20.2 points last season and finished fifth in the MVP balloting.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>Mitchell has routinely played overseas during her stellar career. But last season, she stayed in the United States and played for Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>“That was good basketball, and it’s in the United States, so I can’t really complain,” Mitchell said.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>She is one of 13 players who were announced as players for Project B, which will play in various countries. The last stop is slated to be Tokyo from March 26-April 4.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas and Sophie Cunningham are among the other WNBA players who have pledged to play in the league.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Report #Kelsey #Mitchell #committed #upstart #Project

NFL Draft results 2026: Pick-by-pick tracker for every selection <figure> <img alt="" data-caption="MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 19: Fernando Mendoza #15 celebrates with his brother Alberto Mendoza #16 of the Indiana Hoosiers after defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images" data-portal-copyright="Getty Images" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.sbnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/gettyimages-2257159134.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 19: Fernando Mendoza #15 celebrates with his brother Alberto Mendoza #16 of the Indiana Hoosiers after defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images </figcaption> </figure> <p class="has-text-align-none">The <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1111838/nfl-mock-draft-2026-final-projection-trades-browns-cowboys">time for NFL mock drafts</a> has finally come to an end. Now the picks are for real.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">The 2026 NFL Draft begins now, and soon enough the talking will end and the picks will start coming in. <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1109903/nfl-draft-2026-expected-pick-times-for-every-teams-first-round-selection">You can find out what time your team will pick here</a>. We have every expectation that quarterback Fernando Mendoza will be the first player selected, and there is a lot to <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/1097838/fernando-mendoza-indiana-alabama-rose-bowl-film-video-heisman-cfp">like about his game</a>. <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1111616/fernando-mendoza-interview-nfl-draft-faith-family-recruiting-journey">Mendoza sat down with <em>SB Nation</em></a><em> </em>earlier this week to talk about his journey to this moment, and what he will bring to an NFL roster.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">After that, however, is anyone’s guess.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Will the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1111939/jets-first-round-pick-spoiled-texas-tech-tweet">New York Jets draft David Bailey at No. 2</a>? When will <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1109790/caleb-downs-scouting-report-2026-nfl-draft-film-breakdown">Caleb Downs come off the board</a>? Is Ty Simpson truly QB2 or will LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier make a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/1111521/garrett-nussmeier-injury-cyst-spine-lsu-scouting-report-steal">surprising rise up the board</a> following the discovery of a cyst on his spine, that likely contributed to his struggles last season? And what about some sleepers in the draft?</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">We’ll be tracking the picks live as they are turned in. For grades, we will have you covered here. Until the draft begins, you can check out our Top 100 players, or join the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/feed">discussion at our new NFL Feed</a>.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">If you are looking for the picks, here you go:</p> <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Round 1</strong></p> <figure class="wp-block-vox-media-table"><table><thead><tr><th>Pick</th><th>Team</th><th>Player</th><th>Position</th><th>School</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Las Vegas Raiders</td><td>Fernando Mendoza</td><td>QB</td><td>Indiana</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>New York Jets</td><td>David Bailey</td><td>EDGE</td><td>Texas Tech</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Arizona Cardinals</td><td>Jeremiyah Love</td><td>RB</td><td>Notre Dame</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Tennessee Titans</td><td>Carnell Tate</td><td>WR</td><td>Ohio State</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>New York Giants</td><td>Arvell Reese</td><td>LB</td><td>Ohio State</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Kansas City Chiefs</td><td>Mansoor Delane </td><td>CB</td><td>LSU</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>Washington Commanders</td><td>Sonny Styles </td><td>LB</td><td>Ohio State</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>New Orleans Saints</td><td>Jordyn Tyson </td><td>WR</td><td>Arizona State</td></tr><tr><td>9</td><td>Cleveland Browns</td><td>Spencer Fano </td><td>OT</td><td>Utah</td></tr><tr><td>10</td><td>New York Giants (via CIN)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>11</td><td>Miami Dolphins</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>12</td><td>Dallas Cowboys </td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>13</td><td>Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>14</td><td>Baltimore Ravens</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>15</td><td>Tampa Bay Buccaneers</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>16</td><td>New York Jets (via IND)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>17</td><td>Detroit Lions</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>18</td><td>Minnesota Vikings</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>19</td><td>Carolina Panthers</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>20</td><td>Dallas Cowboys (via GB)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>21</td><td>Pittsburgh Steelers</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>22</td><td>Los Angeles Chargers </td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>23</td><td>Philadelphia Eagles</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>24</td><td>Cleveland Browns (via JAX)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>25</td><td>Chicago Bears</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>26</td><td>Buffalo Bills</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>27</td><td>San Francisco 49ers</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>28</td><td>Houston Texans</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>29</td><td>Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>30</td><td>Arizona Cardinals (via MIA)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>31</td><td>New England Patriots</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>32</td><td>Seattle Seahawks</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table></figure> #NFL #Draft #results #Pickbypick #tracker #selection

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	L	GF	GA	GD	Points
France	2	0	6	1	+5	6
Norway	2	0	7	3	+4	6
Senegal	0	2	3	6	-3	0
Iraq	0	1	1	7	-6	0

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

mwasimuddin125 0

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
France 2 0 0 6 1 +5 6
Norway 2 0 0 7 3 +4 6
Senegal 0 0 2 3 6 -3 0
Iraq 0 0 1 1 7 -6 0
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