Today at the 2026 World Cup, the second round in Groups G and H is scheduled. Spain will play Saudi Arabia, Uruguay will face Cape Verde, Belgium will take on Iran, and New Zealand will meet Egypt. All these teams have one point each. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Group H, Round 2, June 21, 21:00, Atlanta, Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Spain vs Saudi Arabia (+3=0–0, 9:2)
Coaches: Luis de la Fuente – Yorgos Donis (Greece)
The sensational draw of the Spaniards, one of the tournament's main favorites, against Cape Verde set a peculiar tone for Group H battles. The simple and clear scenario (Spain and Uruguay directly advance to the playoffs, Asians and Africans compete for the third spot) gave way to some uncertainty.
Especially considering that at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Saudi Arabia inflicted the only defeat on the future world champions Argentina – 2:1. True, the Saudis did not advance from the group then. Incidentally, Saudi Arabia also met Spain at the World Cup before. In 2006, they lost in Kaiserslautern – 0:1.
Against the superior Spanish team, the Saudis have every reason to apply the tactics that worked against Uruguay (1:1): build a massive defense and patiently wait for their chance. If it never comes, a draw would not be a bad result for Yorgos Donis's team. In the last round, they face Cape Verde, which seems promising for adding points.
As for Spain, everything is extremely simple. Luis de la Fuente, without a doubt, is setting "La Roja" up for their first win. If after the embarrassment in the first round they even need additional motivation.
Group H, Round 2, June 22, 03:00, Miami, Hard Rock Stadium
Uruguay vs Cape Verde
Coaches: Marcelo Bielsa (Argentina) – Pedro Brito
Uruguay traditionally plays tough football, sparing neither themselves nor their opponents. Cape Verde, on the other hand, set an incredible record against Spain, committing only one foul in the entire match. It is extremely interesting whose approach to organizing the game will prevail? However, Pedro Brito may have a surprise in store for the Uruguayans. And Marcelo Bielsa is a well-known strategist. In short, the first-ever match between Uruguay and Cape Verde promises interesting football.
Group G, Round 2, June 22, 00:00, Los Angeles, SoFi Stadium
Belgium vs Iran
Coaches: Rudi Garcia (France) – Amir Ghalenoei
The "Red Devils," continuing to exploit the remnants of the "golden generation," did not particularly impress in their first match of the 2026 World Cup against Egypt (1:1). Moreover, due to the effects of a respiratory infection, key winger Jérémy Doku from Manchester City will not play against Iran.
While Belgium deals with internal problems, Iran is occupied with external ones. Despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino's assurances of utmost respect for Iranians, tournament organizers and local authorities are in no hurry to roll out the red carpet for the Persians. Numerous "don'ts" have been joined by exhausting same-day flights, which Amir Ghalenoei complained about at a press conference. The Iranian federation is sending complaints to FIFA, but it was clear from the start that for Iran, this World Cup would be based on the principle of "despite" rather than "thanks to." Fighting spirit and quality of play seem to be the Iranians' only allies at this championship.
Group G, Round 2, June 22, 06:00, Vancouver, BC Place
New Zealand vs Egypt
Coaches: Darren Bazeley (England) – Hossam Hassan
New Zealand, who have never advanced beyond the group stage, nearly defeated a troubled Iran in the first round. Against a strong Egypt, the "Kiwis" will have a harder time.
The New Zealanders will likely continue to play a defensive counter-attacking style, using the skill of Nottingham Forest's Chris Wood in the air and set pieces. The favorite Egypt will undoubtedly try to take control of the game, using the speed of Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and exploiting gaps in the opponent's defense.
Matches of the "attacking scythe vs defensive stone" format are traditionally rich in surprises. Why shouldn't the New Zealanders aim for one?
The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup started on June 11 and will end on July 19. It is the first to be held in three countries – the USA, Canada, and Mexico – and the first to feature 48 teams.
After the group stage, the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams will continue the competition. The playoffs will begin with the round of 32.
On the tenth matchday of the 2026 World Cup, four matches took place. In Group E, Germany defeated Ivory Coast 2:1 and advanced to the playoffs, while Ecuador, hanging on Curacao's goal all match, failed to find the key – 0:0. In Group F, the Netherlands thrashed Sweden 5:1, and Japan, in the thousandth World Cup match, left Tunisia no chance – 4:0.