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Deadspin | Shane McClanahan earns long-awaited win as Rays top White Sox  Apr 14, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images   Ben Williamson had two hits and three RBIs and left-hander Shane McClanahan earned his first victory in nearly three years as the visiting Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Chicago White Sox 8-5 on Tuesday.  Tampa Bay stretched its winning streak to four games while sending Chicago to its sixth loss in eight games.  McClanahan (1-1) sparked the effort, spacing three runs (two earned) and two hits in five innings with four walks and four strikeouts. After missing the past two seasons due to Tommy John elbow surgery and a nerve issue, respectively, McClanahan picked up his first win since June 16, 2023, a 6-2 victory at San Diego.  Bryan Baker got the final out on Tuesday to notch his third save. Chicago’s Munetaka Murakami connected for a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth to account for the final margin.  White Sox left-hander Noah Schultz struggled with wildness at the outset of his major league debut. After retiring Yandy Diaz on a flyout to left field to begin his outing, Schultz walked the next two hitters and allowed an RBI double to Ryan Vilade, who had three hits.  With runners at second and third and one out, Williamson pushed a sacrifice bunt to the right side, but the 22-year-old Schultz threw wide of home plate, allowing two runs to score for a 3-0 first-inning lead.   Although Schultz (0-1) settled down, the early damage took a toll before a crowd that included members of the baseball team from his high school alma mater, about 45 minutes southwest of Chicago in Oswego, Ill. A 2022 first-round draft pick out of Oswego East High, the 6-foot-10 Schultz scattered four runs (three earned) and three hits in 4 1/3 innings with four walks and four strikeouts.  Chicago drew within 4-3 in the third inning. Everson Pereira, who was reinstated from the 10-day injured list before the game, blasted a three-run home run after Chase Meidroth reached on catcher interference and Murakami walked.  Hunter Bigge, Mason Englert and Yoendrys Gomez limited the White Sox to one hit in three innings before the ninth.  Diaz had two hits and an RBI for the Rays. Jonny DeLuca and Nick Fortes also drove in runs.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Shane #McClanahan #earns #longawaited #win #Rays #top #White #Sox

Deadspin | Shane McClanahan earns long-awaited win as Rays top White Sox
Deadspin | Shane McClanahan earns long-awaited win as Rays top White Sox  Apr 14, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images   Ben Williamson had two hits and three RBIs and left-hander Shane McClanahan earned his first victory in nearly three years as the visiting Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Chicago White Sox 8-5 on Tuesday.  Tampa Bay stretched its winning streak to four games while sending Chicago to its sixth loss in eight games.  McClanahan (1-1) sparked the effort, spacing three runs (two earned) and two hits in five innings with four walks and four strikeouts. After missing the past two seasons due to Tommy John elbow surgery and a nerve issue, respectively, McClanahan picked up his first win since June 16, 2023, a 6-2 victory at San Diego.  Bryan Baker got the final out on Tuesday to notch his third save. Chicago’s Munetaka Murakami connected for a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth to account for the final margin.  White Sox left-hander Noah Schultz struggled with wildness at the outset of his major league debut. After retiring Yandy Diaz on a flyout to left field to begin his outing, Schultz walked the next two hitters and allowed an RBI double to Ryan Vilade, who had three hits.  With runners at second and third and one out, Williamson pushed a sacrifice bunt to the right side, but the 22-year-old Schultz threw wide of home plate, allowing two runs to score for a 3-0 first-inning lead.   Although Schultz (0-1) settled down, the early damage took a toll before a crowd that included members of the baseball team from his high school alma mater, about 45 minutes southwest of Chicago in Oswego, Ill. A 2022 first-round draft pick out of Oswego East High, the 6-foot-10 Schultz scattered four runs (three earned) and three hits in 4 1/3 innings with four walks and four strikeouts.  Chicago drew within 4-3 in the third inning. Everson Pereira, who was reinstated from the 10-day injured list before the game, blasted a three-run home run after Chase Meidroth reached on catcher interference and Murakami walked.  Hunter Bigge, Mason Englert and Yoendrys Gomez limited the White Sox to one hit in three innings before the ninth.  Diaz had two hits and an RBI for the Rays. Jonny DeLuca and Nick Fortes also drove in runs.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Shane #McClanahan #earns #longawaited #win #Rays #top #White #SoxApr 14, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Ben Williamson had two hits and three RBIs and left-hander Shane McClanahan earned his first victory in nearly three years as the visiting Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Chicago White Sox 8-5 on Tuesday.

Tampa Bay stretched its winning streak to four games while sending Chicago to its sixth loss in eight games.

McClanahan (1-1) sparked the effort, spacing three runs (two earned) and two hits in five innings with four walks and four strikeouts. After missing the past two seasons due to Tommy John elbow surgery and a nerve issue, respectively, McClanahan picked up his first win since June 16, 2023, a 6-2 victory at San Diego.

Bryan Baker got the final out on Tuesday to notch his third save. Chicago’s Munetaka Murakami connected for a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth to account for the final margin.

White Sox left-hander Noah Schultz struggled with wildness at the outset of his major league debut. After retiring Yandy Diaz on a flyout to left field to begin his outing, Schultz walked the next two hitters and allowed an RBI double to Ryan Vilade, who had three hits.


With runners at second and third and one out, Williamson pushed a sacrifice bunt to the right side, but the 22-year-old Schultz threw wide of home plate, allowing two runs to score for a 3-0 first-inning lead.

Although Schultz (0-1) settled down, the early damage took a toll before a crowd that included members of the baseball team from his high school alma mater, about 45 minutes southwest of Chicago in Oswego, Ill. A 2022 first-round draft pick out of Oswego East High, the 6-foot-10 Schultz scattered four runs (three earned) and three hits in 4 1/3 innings with four walks and four strikeouts.

Chicago drew within 4-3 in the third inning. Everson Pereira, who was reinstated from the 10-day injured list before the game, blasted a three-run home run after Chase Meidroth reached on catcher interference and Murakami walked.

Hunter Bigge, Mason Englert and Yoendrys Gomez limited the White Sox to one hit in three innings before the ninth.

Diaz had two hits and an RBI for the Rays. Jonny DeLuca and Nick Fortes also drove in runs.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Shane #McClanahan #earns #longawaited #win #Rays #top #White #Sox

Apr 14, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Ben Williamson had two hits and three RBIs and left-hander Shane McClanahan earned his first victory in nearly three years as the visiting Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Chicago White Sox 8-5 on Tuesday.

Tampa Bay stretched its winning streak to four games while sending Chicago to its sixth loss in eight games.

McClanahan (1-1) sparked the effort, spacing three runs (two earned) and two hits in five innings with four walks and four strikeouts. After missing the past two seasons due to Tommy John elbow surgery and a nerve issue, respectively, McClanahan picked up his first win since June 16, 2023, a 6-2 victory at San Diego.

Bryan Baker got the final out on Tuesday to notch his third save. Chicago’s Munetaka Murakami connected for a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth to account for the final margin.

White Sox left-hander Noah Schultz struggled with wildness at the outset of his major league debut. After retiring Yandy Diaz on a flyout to left field to begin his outing, Schultz walked the next two hitters and allowed an RBI double to Ryan Vilade, who had three hits.

With runners at second and third and one out, Williamson pushed a sacrifice bunt to the right side, but the 22-year-old Schultz threw wide of home plate, allowing two runs to score for a 3-0 first-inning lead.

Although Schultz (0-1) settled down, the early damage took a toll before a crowd that included members of the baseball team from his high school alma mater, about 45 minutes southwest of Chicago in Oswego, Ill. A 2022 first-round draft pick out of Oswego East High, the 6-foot-10 Schultz scattered four runs (three earned) and three hits in 4 1/3 innings with four walks and four strikeouts.

Chicago drew within 4-3 in the third inning. Everson Pereira, who was reinstated from the 10-day injured list before the game, blasted a three-run home run after Chase Meidroth reached on catcher interference and Murakami walked.

Hunter Bigge, Mason Englert and Yoendrys Gomez limited the White Sox to one hit in three innings before the ninth.

Diaz had two hits and an RBI for the Rays. Jonny DeLuca and Nick Fortes also drove in runs.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Shane #McClanahan #earns #longawaited #win #Rays #top #White #Sox

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WNBA eyes first overseas game in 2027 amid free agency boom <div id="content-body-70863942" itemprop="articleBody"><p>As the WNBA races through a landmark free agency period, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is already looking beyond North America.</p><p>Speaking before Monday’s draft, Engelbert said the league is targeting its first game overseas in 2027, either as an exhibition or regular-season fixture. The WNBA expanded to Toronto this season, its first franchise outside the United States.</p><p>“We’re heavily looking at that,” Engelbert said. “Obviously this year we have the FIBA World Cup. Next year we expect that we’ll do something outside of North America as a true global game.”</p><p>The league welcomed its 2026 draft class days after a historic free agency window opened, featuring its first million-dollar contracts.</p><p>“I’m pretty emotional seeing 23 million-dollar contracts signed only two days into free agency,” Engelbert said. “Now these players can build real generational wealth.”</p><p>Engelbert brushed aside questions about her future.</p><p>“I do crack up, everyone’s focused on me and you should be focused on the hundreds and thousands of women who run this league outside of myself,” she said.</p><p>“I wonder if you would ask that of a man?”</p><p>She added she was “thrilled with the trajectory, growth and was really looking forward to the next few years.”</p><p>The Board of Governors is yet to approve the proposed sale of the Connecticut Sun to Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta. Engelbert said details around a potential move to Houston would be addressed later.</p><p>The league is also finalising its new collective bargaining agreement, estimated at 400-500 pages, featuring record salary increases, housing benefits, 401(k) contributions and support for former players.</p><p>A state-of-the-game task force has also been set up, including a focus on officiating.</p><p>“You’ll see some changes around physicality this year,” she said.</p><p>Training camps open Sunday, with the season tipping off May 8.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 15, 2026</p></div> #WNBA #eyes #overseas #game #free #agency #boom

Deadspin | Reports: Wolves deal Julius Randle to Nets in 3-team trade  May 6, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) dribbles against San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) in the first half during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images   The Brooklyn Nets reportedly added former All-Star forward Julius Randle and moved up five spots in the first round of the draft in a three-team trade involving the Minnesota Timberwolves and Chicago Bulls on Monday, the night before the draft.  According to multiple media outlets, Minnesota dealt Randle and the 28th overall pick in the Tuesday draft to the Nets for the 33rd overall selection.  Brooklyn sent center Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls, who in turn shipped forward Mouhamadou Gueye to Minnesota. The Timberwolves reportedly will waive Gueye.  Randle, 31, is due to make .3 million in the upcoming season, and he has a player option for .8 million for 2027-28.  The three-time All-Star averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists last season. In a 12-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers (2014-15 to 2017-18), the New Orleans Pelicans (2018-19), the New York Knicks (2019-20 to 2023-24) and Minnesota (2024-25 to 2025-26), he has averaged 19.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists.   Randle was selected the NBA’s most improved player in 2020-21.  Claxton, 27, has spent each of his seven NBA seasons in Brooklyn. He put up 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists per contest in 69 games (68 starts) last season. His career norms are 10.6, 7.6 and 2.1, respectively.  He is signed for .3 million in 2026-27 and .1 million in 2027-28.  Gueye, 27, made his NBA debut in 2023-24 for the Toronto Raptors, appearing in 11 games off the bench. He got into two games as a reserve for Chicago last season. Overall, he has averaged 3.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in 12.7 minutes.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Reports #Wolves #deal #Julius #Randle #Nets #3team #tradeMay 6, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) dribbles against San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) in the first half during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

The Brooklyn Nets reportedly added former All-Star forward Julius Randle and moved up five spots in the first round of the draft in a three-team trade involving the Minnesota Timberwolves and Chicago Bulls on Monday, the night before the draft.

According to multiple media outlets, Minnesota dealt Randle and the 28th overall pick in the Tuesday draft to the Nets for the 33rd overall selection.

Brooklyn sent center Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls, who in turn shipped forward Mouhamadou Gueye to Minnesota. The Timberwolves reportedly will waive Gueye.

Randle, 31, is due to make $33.3 million in the upcoming season, and he has a player option for $35.8 million for 2027-28.


The three-time All-Star averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists last season. In a 12-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers (2014-15 to 2017-18), the New Orleans Pelicans (2018-19), the New York Knicks (2019-20 to 2023-24) and Minnesota (2024-25 to 2025-26), he has averaged 19.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists.

Randle was selected the NBA’s most improved player in 2020-21.

Claxton, 27, has spent each of his seven NBA seasons in Brooklyn. He put up 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists per contest in 69 games (68 starts) last season. His career norms are 10.6, 7.6 and 2.1, respectively.

He is signed for $23.3 million in 2026-27 and $21.1 million in 2027-28.

Gueye, 27, made his NBA debut in 2023-24 for the Toronto Raptors, appearing in 11 games off the bench. He got into two games as a reserve for Chicago last season. Overall, he has averaged 3.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in 12.7 minutes.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Reports #Wolves #deal #Julius #Randle #Nets #3team #trade">Deadspin | Reports: Wolves deal Julius Randle to Nets in 3-team trade  May 6, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) dribbles against San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) in the first half during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images   The Brooklyn Nets reportedly added former All-Star forward Julius Randle and moved up five spots in the first round of the draft in a three-team trade involving the Minnesota Timberwolves and Chicago Bulls on Monday, the night before the draft.  According to multiple media outlets, Minnesota dealt Randle and the 28th overall pick in the Tuesday draft to the Nets for the 33rd overall selection.  Brooklyn sent center Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls, who in turn shipped forward Mouhamadou Gueye to Minnesota. The Timberwolves reportedly will waive Gueye.  Randle, 31, is due to make .3 million in the upcoming season, and he has a player option for .8 million for 2027-28.  The three-time All-Star averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists last season. In a 12-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers (2014-15 to 2017-18), the New Orleans Pelicans (2018-19), the New York Knicks (2019-20 to 2023-24) and Minnesota (2024-25 to 2025-26), he has averaged 19.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists.   Randle was selected the NBA’s most improved player in 2020-21.  Claxton, 27, has spent each of his seven NBA seasons in Brooklyn. He put up 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists per contest in 69 games (68 starts) last season. His career norms are 10.6, 7.6 and 2.1, respectively.  He is signed for .3 million in 2026-27 and .1 million in 2027-28.  Gueye, 27, made his NBA debut in 2023-24 for the Toronto Raptors, appearing in 11 games off the bench. He got into two games as a reserve for Chicago last season. Overall, he has averaged 3.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in 12.7 minutes.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Reports #Wolves #deal #Julius #Randle #Nets #3team #trade

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

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