FIFA World Cup 2026: Yamal Opens WC Account, Cape Verde Continues to Impress

Egypt has climbed to the top of Group ‘G’ in the FIFA World Cup after defeating New Zealand.

On Monday morning in Canada, Egypt beat New Zealand 3–1. Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Zizo, and Trezeguet each scored a goal for Egypt. New Zealand had taken the initial lead in the match.

Both teams had drawn their opening matches, but with this win Egypt climbed to the top of Group G with 4 points from 2 games, strengthening their chances of reaching the knockout stage.

Iran and Belgium, who drew earlier, each have 2 points, while New Zealand remain with just 1 point.

Debutants Cape Verde held Uruguay to a 2–2 draw in Miami.

Kevin Pina gave Cape Verde a historic lead in the 21st minute, but Maxi Araújo equalized in the 44th.

In first-half injury time, Agustín put Uruguay ahead, only for Helio Varela to level in the 61st minute after a defensive mix-up.

Cape Verde have now drawn both of their opening matches, including a 0–0 against Spain.

Star winger Lamine Yamal opened his FIFA World Cup scoring account as European champions Spain defeated Saudi Arabia 4–0 in Atlanta.

Yamal scored in the 10th minute from Mikel Oyarzabal’s pass, becoming the eighth youngest scorer in World Cup history at 18 years and 343 days.

Spain added two more goals within 24 minutes, both by Oyarzabal, who nearly completed a hat-trick. In the 49th minute, Marc Cucurella’s volley deflected off Saudi defender Hassan Al Tambakti into the net for Spain’s fourth.

Spain now need at least a draw against Uruguay in their final group match to reach the last 32, while Saudi Arabia face Cape Verde.

Meanwhile, Belgium and Iran played out a goalless draw in Los Angeles, leaving both teams with 2 points from 2 matches.