World Cup 2026: Cape Verde Stuns Uruguay & Egypt Makes History
Cape Verde continues to defy the odds at the 2026 World Cup, proving that their opening-round draw against Spain was no fluke. On Sunday, the resilient African side clinicaly dismantled the narrative of being “underdogs” by forcing another former world champion, Uruguay, to settle for a 2-2 draw.
Cape Verde Rocks the ‘Group of Death’
In Miami Gardens, Cape Verde followed up their scoreless draw against Spain with a thrilling performance against the two-time champions. Kevin Pina ignited the dream in the 21st minute, curling a sensational long-range free kick into the back of the net to give the Blue Sharks an early lead.
However, Uruguay’s quality shone through just before the break. Sporting CP star Maxi Araújo inspired a lightning-fast comeback, scoring the equalizer in the 44th minute before providing a perfectly weighted assist for Agustín Canobbio in the sixth minute of first-half stoppage time. Despite the 2-1 deficit, Cape Verde refused to buckle. Exploiting a defensive lapse in the 61st minute, Hélio Varela found the equalizer to secure a vital point.
With two points from two matches against global powerhouses, Cape Verde now sits in a prime position to advance. They face Saudi Arabia in their final group match, while Uruguay faces a high-stakes, “must-not-lose” showdown against Spain.
Spain Finds Their Rhythm
After a disappointing opener, Luis de la Fuente’s Spain rediscovered their clinical edge with a dominant 4-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia. The match was effectively over within the first half hour, largely thanks to a masterclass from Mikel Oyarzabal.
Oyarzabal assisted 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal for the opening goal in the 10th minute—making Yamal one of the youngest scorers in tournament history—before Oyarzabal himself netted two quick-fire goals in the 21st and 24th minutes. A second-half own goal by Hassan Al Tambakti completed the rout, leaving Spain at the top of the group with four points.
History for Egypt as Belgium Stalls
In Group G, Egypt celebrated a landmark moment in Vancouver. In what was their ninth match across four World Cup appearances, the “Pharaohs” finally secured their first-ever win in the competition. After trailing New Zealand 0-1 at halftime, Egypt stormed back in the second half. Goals from Mostafa Ziko, Mohamed Salah, and Trezeguet sealed a 3-1 victory that catapults Egypt to the top of the group with four points.
Meanwhile, Belgium’s struggles continued in a frustrating 0-0 draw against Iran. Despite dominating possession, the “Red Devils” failed to find the net and finished the match with ten men after Nathan Ngoy received a straight red card in the 66th minute. The result leaves Group G wide open, with Egypt in the driver’s seat and Belgium and Iran trailing with two points each.
As the tournament progresses across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the battle for the Round of 32 is reaching a fever pitch, with traditional giants feeling the heat from rising stars.
