Another series of unexpected results were recorded in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. Spain, Belgium, and Uruguay, considered among the tournament favorites, failed to win in the first round.
Spain could not find the back of the net in their match against Cape Verde. The game ended with a score of 0:0. The Africans, making their first appearance at the World Cup, thus earned a historic point.
In Group G, Belgium faced Egypt. Imam Ashur opened the scoring in the match. The Belgians, in turn, avoided defeat thanks to an own goal by an opposing defender during the decisive moments of the game. The match ended with a score of 1:1.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, held Uruguay, one of the group favorites, to a draw. The sides scored one goal each, and the match ended with a score of 1:1.
The match between Iran and New Zealand was high-scoring. The teams scored four goals in total, recording a 2:2 draw.
Thus, on the next day of the competition, Spain, Belgium, and Uruguay failed to secure the expected three points. This shows that even the early stages of the 2026 World Cup are proving rich in unexpected results.
