World Cup 2026 day five: Underdogs shine on day of draws as Spain, Uruguay and Belgium all held

FULL-TIME: Iran 2-2 New Zealand

All square in Group G after Iran and New Zealand draw.

Their two goals apiece puts them in the top two spots on goals scored, with Iran set to battle Belgium next while New Zealand take on Egypt.

GOAL! Iran 2-2 New Zealand

Iran are back on terms through Mohammad Mohebi, who heads home goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian's cross to pull his nation back level.

GOAL! Iran 1-2 New Zealand

It's another goal for New Zealand, and it's the exact same combination as their first. Elijah Just pounces on a lay-off from Chris Wood, and the All Whites are back in front!

Back underway in LA

We're back underway in Los Angeles. It's Iran 1-1 New Zealand, and we'll bring you all the latest updates as they come in

HALF-TIME: Iran 1-1 New Zealand

Half-time in LA, and Iran have just had a goal ruled offside. It's been a very even first half - both sides will feel like it's up for grabs.

Any winner will top their group after the first round of fixtures, which saw Belgium draw 1-1 with Egypt. All to play for!

GOAL! Iran 1-1 New Zealand

Iran are right back in it - it's Ramin Rezaeian who pounces on a wayward clearance in the box to put his nation back on level terms. Game on.

GOAL! Iran 0-1 New Zealand

It's an early goal from the Kiwis, scored by Motherwell man Elijah Just.

Captain Chris Wood puts it on a plate for the young winger - and it's in!

Kick-off in LA

It's go, go, go in Los Angeles.

Despite some protests from pro-Shah Iranian demonstrators outside the ground, we're underway without issue.

Stay tuned, and we'll bring you all the latest updates as they come in.

Iran vs New Zealand lineups announced

Iran: Beiranvand; Mohammadi, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Rezaeian; Mohebi, Ezatolahi, Ghoddos, Yousefi; Taremi (C), Moghanlou.

New Zealand: Crocombe; Cacace, Boxall, Surman, Payne; Stamenic, Bell, Singh; Just, Wood (C), McCowatt.

FULL-TIME: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay

It ends all square in Miami after a much-improved Uruguay battled back from a goal down in the second half.

Weather warnings in Florida ended up amounting to nothing as the South American giants shared the spoils with a sprightly Saudi Arabia side.

Goals from Abdulelah Al-Amri and Max Araujo made all the difference - with Group H now all square after Spain were also held 1-1 by Cape Verde.

The Saudis take on Spain next, while Uruguay will go toe-to-toe with the plucky island nation on June 21.

All eyes on Iran vs New Zealand now. That kicks off in just under an hour's time in Los Angeles.

GOAL! Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay

Goal! Uruguay have the breakthrough - and it's a heart-breaker for Saudi Arabia.

Max Araujo pounces on Saudi keeper Mohammed Al-Owais's parry and buries his shot into the bottom corner. Game on!

Back underway in Miami... Can Saudi Arabia hang on?

We're back underway in Miami - and Saudi Arabia are defending a shock lead against the four-time world champions.

Though supporters may be in for another twist - the game has entered "Severe Weather Mode", according to Fifa.

There is lightning activity approaching the stadium, and a match interruption may be required "within the next hour", bosses said earlier this evening.

HALF-TIME: Saudi Arabia 1-0 Uruguay

Half-time in Miami, and it's the Saudis with a stunning lead over Uruguay.

Both sides have come close here in the first half but it's the Green Falcons with the breakthrough just before the break.

Could we be in store for another major World Cup upset just hours after Cape Verde's heroics?

GOAL! Saudi Arabia 1-0 Uruguay

It's 2022 all over again! Saudi Arabia have just stunned Uruguay and lead 1-0.

It's Al-Nassr's Abdulelah Al-Amri with the goal. Marcelo Bielsa's side are left reeling!

We're underway in Miami

We're underway in Miami for Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay.

The Saudis will doubtless be looking to mirror their heroics over Argentina at the last tournament - though it's Uruguay who'll be hoping history repeats itself. We all know what Argentina went on to do after that...

Stay tuned, and we'll bring you all the latest updates as they come in.

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay lineups announced

Third game of the day features Saudi Arabia against Uruguay.

Saudi Arabia: Al Owais, Al Amri, Abdulhamid, Al Harbi, Al Tambakti, Abu Al Shamat, Kanno, Al Khaibari, Al Dawsari, Al Brikan, Al Juwayr.

Uruguay: Muslera, Varela, Vina, Caceres, Olivera, Bentancur, Araujo, Valverde, Ugarte, Vinas, Nunez.

FULL TIME: Belgium 1-1 Egypt

The points have been shared between Belgium and Egypt after playing out an entertaining 1-1 draw.

Emam Ashour opened up the scoring with a fantastic strike past Thibaut Courtois.

Belgium drew level in the second half after Mohamed Hany put the ball in his own net following Romelu Lukaku, causing mayhem in the penalty area.

An entertaining game which ends all square, Saudi Arabia against Uruguay to come.

GOAL: Belgium 1-1 Egypt

With his very first moment in the game, Romelu Lukaku comes storming into the penalty area as the ball is rolled into the six-yard box.

The chaos the big centre forward creates forces Mohamed Hany to put the ball into his own net and level the tie.

An incredible introduction, we're all square, 1-1.

SECOND HALF: Belgium 0-1 Egypt

Second half is underway in Seattle for Belgium against Egypt.

The Egyptians are just 45 minutes away from recording their first-ever World Cup win.

Belgium have work to do, no changes at half time for both sides.

HALF TIME: Belgium 0-1 Egypt

An ideal first 45 for Egypt who have the lead against Belgium thanks to Emam Ashour.

Belgium have not really tested Mostafa Shobeir in the Egypt goal, with Jeremy Doku having a half-decent chance just before the break but blazing his strike over the bar.

All to play for with Rudi Garcia's side, who does have Belgium's record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku at his disposal.

Belgium 0-1 Egypt: Feisty affair brewing as challenges fly in

Neither side are backing out of any challenges, with some nasty fouls flying in and three players already picking up yellow cards.

Ahmed Fatouh is the next one in referee Ramon Abel's book with a cynical foul on Jeremy Doku.

We had the Battle of Nuremberg between Portugal and the Netherlands 20 years ago, not quite the Battle of Seattle just yet, but heading that way.

GOAL: Belgium 0-1 Egypt

A stunner! Egypt take the lead thanks to the brilliance of Emam Ashour, who only had one thought in his mind.

The winger picks up the ball on the edge of the area, takes a touch inside and fizzes past Thibaut Courtois.

A brilliant goal as Egypt have the advantage after 20 minutes, 1-0.

KICK OFF: Belgium 0-0 Egypt

We are underway between Belgium and Egypt at Lumen Field in Seattle.

If it's another like our last game, we're in for a cracker.

LINEUPS: Belgium vs Egypt

Lineups have been confirmed for Belgium's game against Egypt.

Belgium: Courtois, Castagne, Mechele, Ngoy, Meunier, Tielemans, Onana, Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku, De Ketelaere.

Egypt: Shobeir, Fatouh, Fathy, Ibrahim, Hany, Attia, Lasheen, Zico, Ashour, Salah, Marmoush.

Who is Vozinha? Cape Verde's hero in goal

At the age of 40, Cape Verde's goalkeeper has written himself in World Cup history with the best performance of his career against Spain.

Josimar Diaz Vozinha kept the Spaniards at bay as Cape Verde drew 0-0, making seven saves after facing 27 shots.

Read the full story here.

FULL TIME: Spain 0-0 Cape Verde

The biggest upset of the tournament so far as Cape Verde produce a performance of the ages, drawing 0-0 to Spain.

The talents of Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Mikel Merino and Dani Olmo could not make an impact off the bench.

A historical performance and the greatest result in Cape Verde's history.

Spain 0-0 Cape Verde: Lamine Yamal on, now or never for Spain

It's now or never for Spain as they place their trump card, bringing on Lamine Yamal.

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino also comes on, as Fabian Ruiz and Gavi depart proceedings.

Twenty minutes to go, we're on the verge of a seismic upset.

SECOND HALF: Spain 0-0 Cape Verde

Second half underway here at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Surprisingly, no changes made by Spain at half-time. Time will tell if the 40-year-old Josimar Vozinha in the Cape Verde goal can hold firm.

HALF TIME: Spain 0-0 Cape Verde

Well, this wasn't in the script. Spain has peppered the Cape Verde goal, with the underdogs' goalkeeper Josimar Vozinha making several brilliant saves.

The Spaniards appear frustrated and do not want to be the first major upset of the tournament.

Second half on the way, nervy times for Luis de la Fuente's side.

Cape Verde holding strong against Spain

Over half an hour played and still we have no goal.

Cape Verde have been defending superbly to hold out the Spanish attack, keeping a compact shape which Spain cannot breakdown.

To note, Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, Yeremy Pino and starboy Lamine Yamal are all on the bench for Spain.

Would not be surprised if some attacking flair comes on in the second half, 0-0.

KICK OFF: Spain vs Cape Verde

We are underway at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Big underdogs Cape Verde to kick us off in the packed-out arena.

Just the 26C heat in Atlanta for these two sides to play in, one of the cooler games of the tournament.

LINEUPS: Spain vs Cape Verde

Lineups confirmed for Spain's first match against Cape Verde, with Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal on the bench.

Spain setup with: Unai Simon, Llorente, Laporte, Cubarsi, Cucurella, Fabian Ruiz, Gavi, Rodri, Pedri, Torres, Oyarzabal.

Cape Verde's lineup: Vozinha, Borges, Lopes, Lopes Cabral, Moreira, Pina, Cabral, Monteiro, Duarte, Livramento, Mendes.

Virgil van Dijk calls for World Cup rule change after Netherlands draw

Virgil van Dijk has questioned FIFA's controversial hydration breaks at the World Cup, suggesting they are disrupting matches and frustrating television viewers.

The Netherlands captain spoke out after his side's 2-2 draw with Japan, admitting he had noticed the frequent stoppages while watching other games.

Van Dijk said hydration breaks make sense in extreme heat but argued each match should be assessed individually rather than applying a blanket rule.

The Liverpool defender also appeared to criticise the commercial interruptions that accompany the pauses.

Vitinha lauds Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Portugal opener

Cristiano Ronaldo has once again stunned teammates with his remarkable physique ahead of the World Cup, with Portugal star Vitinha admitting he cannot match the veteran's condition despite being 15 years younger.

Ronaldo, 41, was pictured relaxing on a Miami beach before Portugal's tournament opener, prompting fresh admiration for his dedication to fitness.

Vitinha insisted the forward's physique was genuine and described it as "incredible".

Ronaldo, meanwhile, declared himself physically ready for the challenge ahead, stressing that true champions are defined when the pressure rises.

Portugal begin their campaign against DR Congo on Wednesday.

Nigel de Jong in mourning as father dies aged 61

Nigel de Jong is mourning the death of his father, Jerry de Jong, who has passed away at the age of 61.

Jerry, a former Netherlands international, earned three caps for his country between 1990 and 1991 and enjoyed a lengthy club career with sides including PSV Eindhoven and SC Heerenveen.

The Royal Dutch Football Association paid tribute to the former defender, describing him as a respected figure in Dutch football.

No cause of death has been announced.

Nigel, a former Manchester City star and current KNVB technical director, has received widespread condolences.

Kylian Mbappe makes vow ahead of France and Senegal match

Kylian Mbappe has promised to improve his defensive work as France prepare to begin their World Cup campaign against Senegal.

The France captain has faced criticism over aspects of his performances and leadership in recent months, despite receiving public backing from teammate Ousmane Dembele.

Speaking ahead of the tournament opener, Mbappe admitted he must do more for the team without the ball and vowed to make that change immediately.

The Real Madrid forward said he is prepared to do “whatever” it takes to help France succeed as they chase another World Cup triumph.

World Cup manager facing the sack

Sabri Lamouchi is facing mounting pressure as Tunisia manager after his side's humiliating 5-1 defeat to Sweden at the World Cup.

Reports in Tunisia claim senior officials requested an emergency meeting to discuss the team's future, with Lamouchi's position now under scrutiny just five matches into his tenure.

Speculation has also emerged that assistant coach Wahbi Khazri could be considered if a change is made.

Lamouchi has dismissed off-field distractions involving his son, insisting he holds no role within the national team.

Tunisia now face a battle to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Premier League players enjoying dream start

It's already been a positive start for Premier League players at the World Cup.

Kai Havertz and Yasin Ayari, of Arsenal and Brighton respectively, bagged braces for Germany and Sweden on Sunday.

Amad Diallo, Crysencio Summerville, Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak, Daichi Kamada, John McGinn and Virgil van Dijk have also found the net.

Spain star seals Real Madrid move

One World Cup player who already has reason to celebrate is Marc Cucurella.

The Spain international has left Chelsea after four years to join Real Madrid.

The transfer comes after Los Blancos moved swiftly to secure the 27-year-old defender, beating competition from elsewhere in Spain to complete the deal.

And his girlfriend, Claudia Rodriguez, has been left emotional after seeing her other half seal a return to Spain.

Jason Kelce leads backlash to American chants

Jason Kelce has led criticism of American football chants during the World Cup, branding one of the USA's most popular songs as a “loser mentality” anthem.

Speaking on the New Heights podcast alongside brother Travis Kelce, the former Philadelphia Eagles star took aim at the chant “I believe that we can win”, insisting it lacked the confidence expected from supporters.

His comments have fuelled a wider debate over football culture in the United States, with fans around the world mocking some American chants.

Videos from matches have gone viral, prompting calls for USA supporters to develop a stronger atmosphere.

Luke Humphries hopeful darts win will inspire England football team

Luke Humphries hopes England's World Cup of Darts triumph can provide inspiration for the national football team as they chase glory in North America.

Fresh from lifting the title alongside Luke Littler in Frankfurt, Humphries revealed he has received plenty of messages from supporters dreaming of an England double this summer.

The world No 2 said he would be delighted if the darts team's success gave the footballers an extra boost, adding: “If it gives England five per cent extra, then happy days.”

Humphries acknowledged the challenge ahead, however, with several strong nations competing for football’s biggest prize.

BBC suffer backlash after World Cup ad

The BBC faced a backlash from viewers over the weekend after displaying a TV licence reminder during live World Cup coverage of Brazil’s clash with Morocco.

A QR code encouraging fans to buy or renew a licence appeared on screen as the teams returned for the second half, with commentator Guy Mowbray also referencing the message.

Many viewers criticised the timing on social media, arguing the focus should have remained on the match.

The controversy comes amid wider scrutiny of the BBC’s World Cup coverage, with the broadcaster opting to present much of the tournament remotely from Salford as part of cost-saving measures.

Southgate backs England to win World Cup ahead of Croatia match

Gareth Southgate has wished England good luck ahead of their World Cup opener against Croatia after revealing why he turned down television punditry work for the tournament.

The former Three Lions boss said he deliberately chose to stay out of the spotlight to avoid creating distractions for Thomas Tuchel and his squad.

Southgate said he did not want any comments to be misconstrued or become talking points during press conferences.

Instead, the 55-year-old will support England from afar, expressing confidence that a squad hardened by previous semi-finals, finals and penalty shootout victories is now “ready to win” the World Cup.

Major England team news leaks ahead of Croatia match

Anthony Gordon is set to start England’s World Cup opener against Croatia, with manager Thomas Tuchel favouring the winger’s energy, discipline and tactical awareness from the first whistle.

Rather than viewing Gordon and Marcus Rashford as direct rivals, Tuchel sees both as key weapons, with Rashford potentially deployed as an impact substitute.

In defence, Ezri Konsa is expected to partner John Stones, while concerns remain over Bukayo Saka.

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham appears to have moved ahead in the race for the No 10 role behind captain Harry Kane.

Japan fans classily tidy up stadium after Netherlands draw

Japanese fans have once again won widespread praise after cleaning up the stands following their World Cup opener against the Netherlands in Dallas.

Thousands of supporters arrived at AT&T Stadium carrying bin bags and stayed behind after the thrilling 2-2 draw to collect rubbish.

While goals from Keito Nakamura and Koki Ogawa earned Japan a valuable point, many fans were equally impressed by the conduct of the travelling supporters.

Images of Japanese fans tidying the stadium quickly went viral, with many describing them as “classy” and “respectful”.

The gesture continues a long-standing tradition that has become synonymous with Japanese football culture.

Graham Potter speaks out after suffering mystery injury

Graham Potter joked he may need to study footage after being left with a bloodied ear during Sweden’s 5-1 World Cup victory over Tunisia.

The former West Ham, Chelsea and Brighton boss was seen bleeding from his right ear on the touchline and admitted afterwards he was unsure how the injury occurred, suggesting he may have been scratched or even bitten in the celebrations.

Despite the bizarre incident, Potter was delighted with Sweden’s impressive start to the tournament.

Goals from Yasin Ayari, Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Mattias Svanberg secured victory, with matches against the Netherlands and Japan to come.

FIFA investigating official over hand gesture

FIFA is aware of footage involving match official Shaun Evans after a hand gesture made before Germany's World Cup opener against Curaçao attracted attention online.

Evans, serving as a support VAR official, appeared to make an upside-down “OK” sign during a pre-match broadcast segment.

While the gesture is commonly used innocently, some organisations have noted it can carry other interpretations depending on context and intent.

FIFA has not publicly commented beyond acknowledging awareness of the footage.

There is currently no public indication that Evans intended to convey any political, ideological or discriminatory message.

Jurgen Klopp forced to issue apology on live TV

Jurgen Klopp has been forced to issue an on-air apology after a comment about Julian Nagelsmann sparked speculation over Germany's managerial future.

Working as a television pundit at the World Cup, Klopp said Nagelsmann was “still” selecting the team while discussing Germany’s line-up with Thomas Muller.

The innocent remark then quickly fuelled debate about Klopp potentially succeeding Nagelsmann.

Following Germany’s 7-1 win over Curaçao, Klopp clarified there was no hidden meaning, joking he could have “punched himself in the face” for using the word.

Nagelsmann laughed off the incident and accepted the apology.

Good morning and welcome to day five of the World Cup

Good morning and welcome to our coverage of day five of the World Cup.

In case you missed anything, there were two games overnight.

Manchester United's Amad Diallo scored the winner as Ivory Coast edged Ecuador 1-0.

And Sweden ran riot against Tunisia, thumping them 5-1, with Premier League stars Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres on target.