By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The unpredictability of the 2026 FIFA World Cup continued on Monday as underdogs once again defied expectations, with Cape Verde frustrating Spain in a historic stalemate, Egypt earning a valuable point against Belgium, Saudi Arabia holding Uruguay, and New Zealand and Iran sharing the spoils in a pulsating encounter.
The biggest upset came in Group H where World Cup debutants Cape Verde produced a disciplined defensive performance to secure a remarkable 0-0 draw against former champions Spain.
Expected to cruise to victory, the Spaniards dominated possession. They repeatedly threatened, but the African side stood firm to earn a famous point in what was one of the greatest results in the country’s football history. The draw left Spain with work to do in their remaining group fixtures, while Cape Verde’s dream start continued.
In another closely fought contest, Egypt held Belgium to a 1-1 draw in Group G, underscoring the growing strength of African football on the world stage.
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Belgium, among the favourites to advance from the group, found the Egyptians difficult to break down as the Pharaohs responded strongly to every challenge. The point strengthened Egypt’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage and ensured the group remained finely balanced.
Saudi Arabia also produced a determined display in Group H, frustrating two-time world champions Uruguay in a 1-1 draw.
The Merit Newspaper acknowledges that Uruguay came into the match with high expectations, but the Saudis matched the South Americans in intensity and organisation to claim a deserved point. The result further opened up the race for qualification in the group, with all four teams still firmly in contention.
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The day’s most entertaining fixture came in Group G, where New Zealand and Iran shared four goals in an exciting 2-2 draw.
Both sides traded attacks in a lively encounter that saw momentum swing from one team to the other before they eventually settled for a point each. The draw left the group delicately poised ahead of the next round of matches.
Monday’s results continued a trend that has characterised the tournament so far, with traditional football powers finding life increasingly difficult against ambitious opponents. From Morocco’s draw with Brazil to Cape Verde’s heroic resistance against Spain, the expanded 48-team World Cup has once again demonstrated that reputations alone are no guarantee of success.
With the group stage gathering momentum, the battle for places in the knockout rounds promises even more drama as teams seek to turn promising performances into qualification.
