FIFAWC26 : Spain fails to win, Belgium, Iran, Uruguay settle for draws

 



Day 5 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be remembered as the day of draws. For the first time in tournament history, all four matches on a single World Cup day ended level. While favourites Spain, Belgium and Uruguay were expected to begin with victories, determined performances from Cape Verde, Egypt and Saudi Arabia ensured the underdogs shared the spoils. The day's final match between Iran and New Zealand produced the most entertaining contest, with four goals and numerous momentum swings. 


Spain 0–0 Cape Verde

Group H – Atlanta

The biggest surprise of the day came in Atlanta, where World Cup debutants Cape Verde frustrated European champions Spain to earn a historic goalless draw. Spain dominated from start to finish, enjoying nearly three-quarters of possession and creating a stream of opportunities, but they simply could not find a way past veteran goalkeeper Vozinha and a remarkably disciplined Cape Verde defence. 


Spain started aggressively, with midfielders controlling possession and constantly probing the Cape Verde backline. Early chances fell to the Spanish forwards, but every attempt was met by outstanding goalkeeping or desperate defending. Cape Verde were content to sit deep, remain compact and wait for counterattacking opportunities. 


The second half followed a similar pattern. Spain introduced fresh attacking players, including several star substitutes, and repeatedly forced saves from Vozinha. The 40-year-old goalkeeper produced one of the performances of the tournament so far, making seven crucial stops to preserve the clean sheet. Despite Spain earning numerous corners and spending most of the match in the opposition half, Cape Verde held firm for a famous point and one of the greatest results in their football history. 


Result: Spain 0-0 Cape Verde

Belgium 1–1 Egypt

Group G – Seattle

Belgium escaped with a point after being pushed to the brink by an impressive Egyptian side. The Pharaohs looked set to claim their first-ever World Cup victory before substitute Romelu Lukaku changed the course of the match almost immediately after entering the field. 


Egypt stunned Belgium in the 19th minute through Emam Ashour. Collecting the ball outside the penalty area, Ashour unleashed a powerful right-footed strike that flew beyond Thibaut Courtois and into the net. The spectacular effort gave Egypt a deserved lead and sent their supporters into celebration. Belgium struggled to create clear chances during the first half, while Egypt looked dangerous whenever Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush surged forward. 


Belgium manager Rudi Garcia introduced Lukaku in the 66th minute and the substitution paid immediate dividends. Within seconds, Lukaku attacked a dangerous delivery into the box, forcing defender Mohamed Hany into an unfortunate own goal as he attempted to prevent the striker from scoring. The equaliser transformed the game and both teams had chances to snatch victory during a frantic finale. Courtois made important saves for Belgium, while Lukaku missed a close-range header that could have completed the comeback. 


Goals

19' – Emam Ashour (Egypt) – Belgium 0-1 Egypt

66' – Mohamed Hany (own goal) – Belgium 1-1 Egypt 


Saudi Arabia 1–1 Uruguay

Group H – Miami

Saudi Arabia produced another impressive World Cup performance by holding South American powerhouse Uruguay to a 1-1 draw. The Saudis displayed tremendous organisation and tactical discipline, frustrating a Uruguay side that created more chances but lacked a clinical edge in front of goal. 


Saudi Arabia took the lead shortly before halftime through defender Abdulelah Al-Amri. A well-delivered set piece caused confusion inside the Uruguayan penalty area and Al-Amri reacted quickest, directing the ball into the net to give his side a shock advantage. Uruguay dominated possession but found it difficult to break down the Saudi defence. 


The South Americans finally found a breakthrough ten minutes from time. Sustained pressure around the Saudi box resulted in the ball falling to Maxi Araújo, who finished confidently to level the score at 1-1. Uruguay pressed hard for a winner during the closing stages, but Saudi Arabia defended heroically to secure a valuable point. 


Goals

41' – Abdulelah Al-Amri (Saudi Arabia) – Saudi Arabia 1-0 Uruguay

80' – Maxi Araújo (Uruguay) – Saudi Arabia  2–2 New Zealand

Group G – Los Angeles

The final match of the day provided the most entertainment, with Iran twice coming from behind to earn a thrilling 2-2 draw against New Zealand. Both teams attacked with intent throughout, creating an open and exciting contest. 


New Zealand made a dream start when Elijah Just opened the scoring in the 7th minute. The winger finished a swift attacking move with composure, giving the Oceania representatives an early lead. Iran responded strongly and eventually levelled in the 32nd minute through Ramin Rezaeian, who finished from close range after sustained pressure. The teams entered halftime level at 1-1. 


The second half was equally dramatic. Just struck again in the 54th minute, restoring New Zealand's advantage with his second goal of the night. Once more Iran refused to surrender. Their persistence paid off in the 64th minute when Mohammad Mohebbi found space inside the penalty area and finished clinically to make it 2-2. Both sides had opportunities to win the match during an exciting final half-hour, but neither could find the decisive goal. 


Goals

7' – Elijah Just (New Zealand) – Iran 0-1 New Zealand

32' – Ramin Rezaeian (Iran) – Iran 1-1 New Zealand

54' – Elijah Just (New Zealand) – Iran 1-2 New Zealand

64' – Mohammad Mohebbi (Iran) – Iran 2-2 New Zealand 


Day 5 Summary

Match

Result

Spain vs Cape Verde

0-0

Belgium vs Egypt

1-1

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay

1-1

Iran vs New Zealand

2-2

Day 5 belonged to the underdogs. Cape Verde produced one of the biggest shocks of the tournament by holding Spain, Egypt came within minutes of a historic victory over Belgium, Saudi Arabia frustrated Uruguay, and Iran fought back twice to earn a share of the points against New Zealand. All four matches ended level, leaving Groups G and H perfectly balanced after the opening round of fixtures. 


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