Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha makes a save during the 2026 World Cup Group H football match against Spain. AFP/VNA Photo

Anh Đức & Thanh Nga

ATLANTA — One of the World Cup's biggest-ever upsets occurred on Monday at the Atlanta Stadium, where European Champions and top contender Spain drew goalless against debutants Cape Verde.

On a day when Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams did not start, La Furia Roja still held on to 62 per cent of possession and fired 23 shots but scored none.

One of the biggest disappointments of the night was Ferran Torres, who had at least five clear-cut chances but could not find the net.

Cape Verde's keeper Vozinha made save after save to deny the Spanish strikers. The closest Spain could ever get to a goal was in the 39th minute, when the ball hit the crossbar and rebounded to Mikel Oyarzabal, who fired a shot, but Vozinha made a fingertip point-blank save.

Even when Yamal and Williams were brought on late in the second half, Cape Verde's defence stayed strong to secure the island nation's first-ever point at the World Cup, and made one of the world's strongest team settle for a draw.

Belgium substitute Romelu Lukaku equalised just after his introduction. AFP/VNA Photo

Lukaku to the rescue

An unlikely hero rose to the occasion in the 1-1 draw between Belgium and Egypt on Monday, as Romelu Lukaku's impact from the bench reclaimed a point for the Red Devils.

After a tug-of-war in the first 20 minutes, it was Egypt that surprisingly found the lead. From a right-wing counter-attack, Mohamed Salah passed to Emam Ashour right in front of the penalty area. Ashour pulled off a powerful shot into the back of Thibaut Courtois' net.

Rudi Garcia was replaced by Lukaku in the 66th minute, and just 20 seconds later, the former Manchester United striker forced Mohamed Hany to score an own goal.

Despite the efforts from both sides, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, as Egypt's 92-year wait for a World Cup win continues.

Saudi Arabia's defender Abdulelah Al-Amri scores his team's first goal past Uruguay's goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. AFP/VNA Photo

Former champions held to a draw

Saudi Arabia delivered a determined performance to hold Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in their Group H opener at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 16 (Hà Nội time).

Facing a stronger and more experienced opponent, the West Asian side played with discipline and focus to secure an important point. Uruguay controlled possession in the early stages but found it difficult to break through Saudi Arabia’s well-organised defence.

Saudi Arabia created several chances towards the end of the first half and took the lead in the 41st minute. Abdulelah Al-Amri scored from close range after a rebound from a corner, surprising the South American side.

After the break, Uruguay increased their attacking pressure and made several changes to improve their offence. They created a number of opportunities, but goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais made several important saves to keep his team in front.

Uruguay finally equalised in the 80th minute when Ronald Araujo scored from close range after Alowais could only parry a header.

In the remaining minutes, Uruguay continued to push forward, but Saudi Arabia defended well to maintain the 1-1 result, marking a positive start to their campaign.

The result meant that all teams of Group H are currently tied on one point, with Saudi Arabia and Uruguay ahead due to goals scored.

Iran's midfielder (8) Mohammad Mohebbi celebrates scoring his team's second goal.  AFP/VNA Photo

Iran and New Zealand split points in emotional game

New Zealand made a stunning underdog performance against Iran at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, holding the Asian giants to a 2-2 draw.

Despite the stories from outside the world of football and difficulties in their preparations for the match, the intense focus of the Iranians was clear to see.

The men in white dominated possession from the get-go, but when things were still warming up for Mehdi Taremi and his teammates, New Zealand found the opener through Elijah Just. A long ball from goalkeeper Max Crocombe found Chris Wood, who played a graceful one-two for Just to finish.

After the hydration break, 36-year-old veteran Ramin Rezaeian equalised for Iran, scoring after a scramble inside New Zealand's box.

New Zealand reclaimed the lead in the 54th minute, and in a similar fashion as the opening goal. Wood and Just combined again to play the Motherwell striker in an one-on-one with Alireza Beiranvand, where Just completed his double.

Iran brought the match back to level terms ten minutes later. Rezaeian again was crucial with a perfect cross to Mohammad Mohebbi, who headed the ball into the bottom corner of Crocombe's net. Iran pushed on forward in the latter part of the match, but could not find the winning goal.

All teams in Group G are also tied on one point after their first match, and the next round will be decisive for the teams' advance hopes. — VNS