FIFA World Cup 2026 results roundup Day 5: Cape Verde hold Spain; Belgium and Egypt share spoils
World Cup 2026 results: Favorites Spain took on debutants Cape Verde while Uruguay faced Saudi Arabia in Group H. Group G saw Belgium against Egypt, and Iran played New Zealand.
Spain 0-0 Cape Verde
Tournament favorities Spain were held to a draw by debutants Cape Verde at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in one of the biggest World Cup shocks in recent memory. The reigning European champions were uninspiring for large parts as the African side held their own against world-class players.
La Roja did create a few chances but ran into 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha in inspired form. The veteran made a handful of fine saves to keep his nation in the game and commanded the defense line superbly. The Blue Sharks’ back line, which was unbeaten at home throughout qualifying, restricted their more fancied opponents to just seven shots on target.
The introduction of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal did lead to Luis de la Fuente’s side being more expressive but failed to find the breakthrough. Cape Verde even had a couple of good opportunities to net an unlikely winner, but a little hasty passing cost them. Still, their fans celebrated with full joy as their team put on a gutsy display to earn a historic point.
Spain will have work to do when they face Saudi Arabia in their next game on June 21, while Cape Verde faces Uruguay later that day, eyeing another big result.
Belgium 1-1 Egypt
Belgium and Egypt shared the spoils in their Group G encounter at the home of Super Bowl champions Seattle Seahawks. The Pharaohs, looking for their first-ever World Cup win, took the lead in the 21st minute thanks to Emam Ashour’s powerful strike after a Mohamed Salah pass. The shot was so potent that it beat Thibaut Courtois, with the veteran goalkeeper well positioned.
The Red Devils turned up the heat and went close to scoring a leveller as Kevin De Bruyne hit the post from a free-kick in the second half. While the seven-time African champions remained under the cosh, they did go close to finding a second goal. Salah and Mostafa Zico were well denied by Courtois, and teenage sensation Hamza Abdelkarim provided fresh impetus when he came on.
But Rudi Garcia’s men were finally rewarded after Romelu Lukaku was brought on. The fans cheered his arrival, and the big Belgian delivered seconds later. His presence in the box caused chaos and forced Mohamed Hany to turn the ball into his own net from a Thomas Meunier cross in the 66th minute.
The European team pushed for a winner but had to settle for a draw in their opening game. They will play Iran next on June 20, while Egypt looking for their maiden World Cup win, will face New Zealand in the other Group G match.
Uruguay 2-2 Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia were denied another big win at the World Cup by Uruguay after an equalizer from the South American side in the 80th minute. The Green Falcons stunned the footballing world four years ago in Qatar when they came from behind to beat eventual champions Argentina in the group stages.
They looked set for another piece of history after Abdulelah al Amri put them ahead four minutes before half time. Marcelo Bielsa’s side pushed forward in search of an equalizer in the second half, with Manuel Ugarte’s strike diverted onto the post by Saudi keeper Mohammed al Owais. La Celeste continued to create chances but found al Owais in inspiring form.
However, 10 minutes from time, Maxi Araujo brought his side on level terms, finding the net after al Owais Federico Vinas’ header. The result shows Uruguay needs a more clinical edge, while Saudi will hope to build on it as they chase a first knockout round appearance at the World Cup since 1994.
Saudi Arabia takes on Spain next on 21 June, and Uruguay faces an inspired Cape Verde later that same day.
Iran 2-2 New Zealand
Iran and New Zealand played out an entertaining draw in their Group G match in Los Anegels. Before the game, politics had overshadowed Iran’s presence at the World Cup. The nation has been at war with tournament hosts USA and were forced to move their training base to Mexico from Arizona.
But once the opening whistle sounded at SoFi Stadium, they served a reminder of their footballing capabilities. New Zealand made a surprising start with Elijah Just scoring a volley to give them the lead in just the seventh minute after Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood’s hold up play.
The All Whites were then pegged back in the 32nd minute after Ramin Rezaeian put the ball past Kiwis goalkeeper Max Crocombe. The Asian heavyweights also had a goal ruled out for offside as the game opened up. New Zealand then retook the lead in the second half as Just, who plays for Scottish top-flight side Motherwell, scored his second of the game with Woods once again the provider.
Both teams continued to attack, and Team Melli completed another comeback after Mohammad Mohebbi headed in Rezaeian’s cross to make it 2-2. This was one of the best games at the tournament so far, with Iran having 17 shots and their opponents also racking up 14 attempts.
Next up, Iran face Belgium on June 20, and New Zealand take on Egypt in what looks like a wide-open Group G.
About The Author
