The 2026 FIFA World Cup continued to deliver surprises in Group G and H, as all four matches ended level, with tournament debutants Cape Verde producing one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.
Spain were held to a goalless draw by the African nation, while Egypt frustrated Belgium, Saudi Arabia earned a point against Uruguay, and New Zealand claimed a hard-fought draw against Iran.
Cape Verde hold European champions to draw
Cape Verde announced themselves on the world stage with a remarkable 0-0 draw against European champions Spain.
Few gave the World Cup debutants any chance before kick-off, but they produced a disciplined defensive display to frustrate one of the tournament favourites from start to finish.
Spain dominated possession and created numerous chances, yet they could not find a way past veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who delivered a man-of-the-match performance.
The 40-year-old made a series of crucial saves as Cape Verde secured the first World Cup point in their history.
The result was celebrated as one of the great underdog stories of the tournament so far, and leaves Group H wide open heading into the second round of fixtures.
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Lukaku makes immediate impact off the bench against Egypt
Egypt also produced an impressive display as they held Belgium to a 1-1 draw.
The Pharaohs took the early lead through Emam Ashour in the first half and looked capable of claiming all three points for long periods.
Belgium eventually found a way back into the contest when an own goal forced by substitute Romelu Lukaku restored parity.
Despite Belgian pressure in the closing stages, Egypt defended well and secured a valuable point that could prove crucial in the battle for qualification.
The result keeps Group G finely balanced after the opening round of matches, leaving each team with a point each.
Uruguay top Group H after Uruguay draw
Saudi Arabia kicked off their World Cup 2026 campaign by earning a 1-1 draw against Uruguay.
The South American side were expected to begin their campaign with a victory, but Saudi Arabia matched them throughout an entertaining contest.
Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Al-Owais was yet another goalkeeper to make the difference for his side in Monday’s fixtures, as he pulled off a string of saves to keep his side in front, before Maximiliano Araujo denied him a clean sheet.
Uruguay and Saudi Arabia are first and second, respectively, in a highly competitive group that has Euro 2024 champions, Spain.
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New Zealand top Group G after Iran draw
New Zealand claimed an important point after drawing 2-2 with Iran.
The Oceania representatives showed resilience against a technically gifted Iranian side and responded well whenever they came under pressure.
Both teams had opportunities to win the match, but neither could find a breakthrough in the latter stages as the contest ended all square.
The result gives New Zealand confidence heading into their remaining group matches and leaves Group G wide open.
The next round of games
France vs Senegal – 20:00 BST, MetLife Stadium, New York, USA
Iraq vs Norway – 23:00 BST, Gillette Stadium, Massachusetts, USA
Argentina vs Algeria – 02:00 BST (Wednesday), Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas, USA
Austria vs Jordan – 05:00 BST (Wednesday), Levi’s Stadium, California, USA
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