Mikel saves, Alexis scores: France and Belgium top their groups
AC Milan played a key role in France and Belgium topping their groups, with impressive performances from Mikel Maicon and Alexis Salemacher.
Four Rossoneri players took part in Foxborough and Vancouver at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in a night of great joy for AC Milan. In Massachusetts, France beat Norway 4-1, with Ousmane Dembele scoring a hat-trick and a stoppage-time goal from Desiree Dou added.
On that day, AC Milan captain Mike Maicon became the first to save a penalty to stop a run at a FIFA World Cup, saving Jørgen Strand Larsson in the second half. Adrien Rabiot was the replacement, and he retired before the 32nd round. France, who finished top of the group, will face Sweden on 30 June at 11pm, where they will host the World Cup final on 19 July.
In Canada, Belgium topped Group G with a 5-1 win over New Zealand. After draws against Egypt and Iran, two goals from Leandro Drossart, along with goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, marked Alexis Salemacher's first World Cup goal on his birthday. He came on as a substitute in the 72nd minute and scored his third international goal.
Belgium will face South Korea, Senegal or the best third-place finishers in Algeria or Austria in the round of 32.
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