Egypt make history in Vancouver
Egypt delivered the standout moment of Sunday’s World Cup action, coming from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver and record the country’s first victory at the tournament.
New Zealand struck first through Finn Surman, whose 15th-minute header briefly put the All Whites on course for a famous result of their own. Egypt responded after the break, with Mostafa Zizo heading in the equaliser before Mohamed Salah combined with Zico and finished with his left foot to make it 2-1.
Trezeguet then sealed the win with a header from Salah’s corner, lifting Egypt to the top of Group G on four points.
According to Pearl Josephine Nazare in GMA News’ Reuters report on Egypt’s win, Salah led Egypt to their first-ever World Cup victory as they recovered from a slow start at BC Place.
Read also: US Open golf 2026 payouts: Every player's earnings
Belgium and Iran leave Group G open
Earlier in Group G, Belgium and Iran played out a 0-0 draw in Inglewood, a result that kept both sides alive but left neither in control of the group.
Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand made seven saves, while Belgium finished the match with 10 men after Nathan Ngoy was sent off in the 66th minute. Iran had the numerical advantage for the closing stages, but Belgium still created the better late chance, with Beiranvand denying Maxim De Cuyper in the 86th minute.
As described in GMA News’ Field Level Media and Reuters report, both Belgium and Iran now have two points from two matches, leaving qualification to be decided on the final matchday.
Egypt lead Group G with four points, Belgium and Iran have two each, and New Zealand sit bottom with one.
Read also: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu: "Boston is clearly the best host city for the World Cup right now"
Spain rediscover their scoring touch
Spain produced the most complete performance of the day, beating Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Atlanta to move top of Group H.
Lamine Yamal opened the scoring after 10 minutes, sliding in at the back post for his first World Cup goal. Mikel Oyarzabal then struck twice before half-time as Spain quickly erased the frustration of their opening 0-0 draw with Cape Verde.
An own goal early in the second half completed the scoring, allowing Luis de la Fuente to rest key players with the result already secured.
According to Trevor Stynes in GMA News’ Reuters report on Spain’s win, Spain “strolled to a 4-0 win” as Yamal inspired the European champions and Oyarzabal restored his confidence.
Read also: Schlotterbeck blow leaves Germany counting the cost of World Cup win
“Every match is different even if the game plan is similar,” De la Fuente said.
“We analysed the previous match, and we all agreed that we needed more verticality to play deeper, and we saw this, and from minute one we were trying to suffocate the opponent.”
Oyarzabal was equally encouraged by Spain’s response.
“We’re so happy to have turned things around,” he said.
Read also: Klopp's clear message to Iraola: "Get the ball to Florian Wirtz"
Cape Verde continue memorable debut
Cape Verde also added another chapter to their first World Cup campaign, holding Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in Miami Gardens.
Kevin Pina scored Cape Verde’s first World Cup goal with a long-range free kick, before Uruguay turned the match around through Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio late in the first half. Cape Verde refused to fade, however, and Helio Valera equalised after capitalising on a defensive mistake in the 61st minute.
Reported by GMA News via Field Level Media and Reuters, the result left both Cape Verde and Uruguay on two points and still in contention to advance.
Spain lead Group H with four points, Uruguay and Cape Verde have two each, while Saudi Arabia remain on one.
Read also: Bielsa warns football is losing its flow at the World Cup
Wider tournament picture sharpens
The wider group-stage picture is also beginning to take shape.
According to GMA News’ World Cup results overview, Mexico, the United States and Germany all have perfect records after two matches, while Canada and Switzerland are level at the top of Group B on four points.
Brazil and Morocco are tied on four points in Group C, and the Netherlands and Japan share the same total in Group F.
With several groups still closely packed, the final round of fixtures promises plenty of jeopardy. Egypt and Spain have put themselves in strong positions, but Belgium, Iran, Uruguay and Cape Verde all remain firmly in the race.
