2026 World Cup

Iran hold Belgium to a draw. Egypt are one step away from qualifying

In Group G, the match between Iran and Belgium ended goalless, whilst Egypt beat New Zealand 3–1. Uruguay could only manage a 2–2 draw against Cape Verde in Group H

by Marco Bellinazzo

22 June 2026

Il portiere iraniano Alireza Beiranvand (1) effettua una parata durante la partita di calcio del Gruppo G dei Mondiali tra Belgio e Iran a Inglewood, California, vicino a Los Angeles. APS

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

A night of (some) surprises at the 2026 World Cup, with Belgium and Uruguay held to draws by Iran and Cape Verde. Spain and Egypt capitalised on this to climb to the top of their respective groups. The Spanish side, led by Lamine Yamal – who started the match – thrashed Saudi Arabia 4–0, whilst Egypt beat New Zealand 3–1.

Belgium v Iran 0–0

At SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, the match between Belgium and Iran ended goalless. Belgium kept possession, dominated the game and created chances: more than twenty shots, opportunities built up patiently, De Bruyne’s rhythmic passing, Lukaku’s runs. And yet, they failed to score.

Because on the other side there is an Iran that sees football as a form of organisation and resistance. Short passes, concentration, and a goalkeeper – Beiranvand – who takes centre stage, saving everything that comes his way.

The match hinges on subtle moments: a goal by Taremi ruled out by VAR by a matter of centimetres, a sign that the Asian side are not just there to defend; and, above all, Ngoy’s sending-off in the second half, when, after fumbling the ball, he brought down Taremi as the last man, leaving Belgium down to ten men and changing the complexion of the match.

In the closing stages, it was the Iranians who looked the more determined. But the score remained 0–0. Belgium continued to showcase their talent but lacked cutting edge, whilst Iran, having built up their play, secured a point that felt as good as a win.

Egypt v New Zealand 3–1

In Vancouver, however, a completely different story is unfolding. This is Egypt’s match – their first World Cup victory – but above all, it is a testament to their ability to stay in the game even when it seems to be slipping from their grasp.

New Zealand got off to a better start, catching everyone by surprise, and took the lead in the 15th minute through Surman, who did well to capitalise on a corner and score with a header.

For a while, Egypt were chasing the game, struggling and looking lost. Then, however, they stepped up a gear in the second half. It was a question of tempo, quality, but also character. Ziko equalised in the 58th minute with another header, Salah stole the show in the 67th minute with the go-ahead goal, and Trezeguet sealed the victory from a set piece in the 82nd minute.

This 3–1 result tells the story of a team that grows into the game, that knows how to make adjustments, and that uses its technical leader – Salah – to take the team’s play to the next level. It is not just a victory: it is a leap forward in maturity.

In Group G, after two matchdays, Egypt lead with 4 points, followed by Iran and Belgium on 2 points each, and New Zealand on 1 point. Egypt are in control of their own destiny: a draw in their final match against Iran will be enough to see them through, whilst Iran, for their part, can still make everything count in their final match. Belgium, on the other hand, must beat New Zealand to avoid any risk and having to rely on goal difference.

Uruguay v Cape Verde 2–2 –

In Miami, the Uruguay v Cape Verde match ended 2–2. It was a match full of twists and turns.

Cape Verde are no longer a surprise package. Following their draw with Spain in their World Cup opener, they’ve done it again against Uruguay. In fact, it was the African side who took the lead in the 21st minute through Lenini, capitalising on a set-piece.

Uruguay responded like a top-class side, staging a comeback with a one-two from Araújo and Canobbio just as the first half was drawing to a close. In the second half, the South Americans gave the impression that they could restore the balance of power and take control of the match. But this World Cup offers no mercy to those who take things at face value. A glaring defensive lapse by Uruguay in the 61st minute paved the way for Varela, who found the net to make it 2–2 with the goal unguarded.

It is a draw with two sides to it: for the Africans, it is an extraordinary affirmation; for Uruguay, it is a wake-up call. Because talent alone is not enough if it is not accompanied by a degree of balance.

In Group H, Spain lead with 4 points, whilst Uruguay and Cape Verde are level on 2, and Saudi Arabia bring up the rear on 1. Everything will be decided on the final matchday when Cape Verde face Saudi Arabia and Spain take on Uruguay.