Yamal kickstarts Spain's World Cup bid as Cape Verde stun Uruguay

Spain got their World Cup campaign back on track with a 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia on Sunday. Lamine Yamal made his first start in two months after returning from a hamstring injury, while debutants Cape Verde continued their fairytale run with a 2-2 draw against Uruguay in Miami. Belgium, meanwhile, were held to a second consecutive goalless draw, this time by Iran in Los Angeles.

How did Spain perform against Saudi Arabia?

Spain dominated from the opening whistle, with Yamal opening the scoring before Mikel Oyarzabal added a quickfire brace to put them 3-0 up inside 24 minutes. Marc Cucurella's shot completed the rout on 49 minutes, deflecting off defender Hassan al-Tambakti after Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed al-Owais had made the initial save. The result moves Spain to the top of Group H with four points from two games.

Why were Spain so much sharper against Saudi Arabia?

European champions Spain had been stung by criticism following their shock 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their opening game, when their attack drew a blank against the tournament's lowest-ranked side. Coach Luis De la Fuente said the backlash had fired his squad up. "When someone questions your work, it is only human that anyone with courage and pride reacts to prove people wrong," he said.

How did Cape Verde draw with Uruguay at the World Cup?

Cape Verde followed up their draw with Spain by snatching another point in an entertaining 2-2 result with Uruguay. Kevin Pina gave the small Atlantic archipelago nation the lead with a brilliant free-kick after 21 minutes.

Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio then scored in the final minutes of the first half to put Uruguay 2-1 ahead, before Helio Varela equalised in the 61st minute when goalkeeper Fernando Muslera rushed off his line and was caught out of position.

Are Cape Verde now dreaming of World Cup qualification?

Coach Bubista had promised before the game that his team would play "without fear" against the two-time World Cup winners, and they delivered on that promise. With two draws from two games, Cape Verde are now in genuine contention for a place in the knockout rounds. "We want to show the entire world that we are in the condition to fight for qualification, and I think that that's what we showed today," Bubista said.

Why are Belgium struggling at the 2026 World Cup?

Belgium have just two points from two games after being held 0-0 by Iran, having also drawn with Egypt in their opener. The Red Devils finished the match in Los Angeles with 10 men after Nathan Ngoy was sent off for hauling down Mehdi Taremi following a mis-hit backpass. Taremi had earlier seen a clever free-kick ruled out by VAR, as Belgium struggled to break down a resolute Iranian defence despite dominating possession.

What does Belgium need to qualify from Group G?

Belgium will face the World Cup's lowest-ranked team, New Zealand, in Vancouver on Friday, needing a significant win to overhaul Egypt at the top of Group G. Egypt moved top on Sunday after coming from behind to record a historic first World Cup victory, winning 3-1 against New Zealand. Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Zico and Trezeguet scored the goals after Finn Surman had given New Zealand an early lead. "It's incredible, I don't know how to express it in words," Salah said. "Hopefully we can make history and qualify first."