A pair of gripping draws and two decisive second-half performances headlined day eight of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with debutants Cabo Verde continuing to capture the imagination and Egypt roaring back to stun New Zealand.

There were 12 goals across the four matches in Groups G and H, with Spain producing the day’s most commanding display and Iran earning a valuable point against Belgium despite a tense, goalless encounter.

Group G

Belgium 0 Iran 0

Belgium and Iran played out a hard-fought scoreless draw in a match that saw both sides create opportunities but ultimately fail to find a breakthrough.

Iran thought they had taken the lead in the first half when Mehdi Taremi found the back of the net from a cleverly worked free-kick, only for VAR to intervene and rule the goal out for offside. Taremi remained at the centre of the action throughout, forcing Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into action with a powerful volley after the break.

Belgium’s task became significantly harder in the 66th minute when defender Nathan Ngoy was sent off for bringing down Taremi as the Iranian striker looked set to race through on goal. Down to ten players, Belgium continued to press for a winner, but Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand produced a series of outstanding saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Iran also celebrated a milestone late in the contest, with Alireza Jahanbakhsh making his 100th international appearance as they secured a point that could prove crucial in the race for the Round of 32.

New Zealand 1 Egypt 3

Egypt came from behind to claim their first FIFA World Cup win, scoring three second-half goals to defeat New Zealand 3-1.

The All Whites made a dream start when Finn Surman headed home in the 15th minute, putting New Zealand on course for what would have been a historic first World Cup victory. They had a golden chance to double their lead after the break when Callum McCowatt forced Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy into a strong save following a well-weighted cross from Marko Stamenic.

That opportunity proved to be a turning point. Egypt responded with urgency and equalised in the 58th minute through Mostafa Zico, who threw himself at Mohamed Hany’s delivery to head home.

Captain Mohamed Salah then produced the defining moment of the match, combining with Zico down the right before cutting inside and firing past Max Crocombe to give Egypt the lead in the 67th minute. Substitute Trezeguet sealed the comeback with eight minutes remaining, heading Salah’s corner into the bottom corner from close range.

The result sends Egypt to the top of the group on four points and within touching distance of a first appearance in the knockout stages, while New Zealand remain bottom with one point and face a must-win final group match.

Group H

Spain 4 Saudi Arabia 0

Spain delivered one of the performances of the tournament so far, sweeping aside Saudi Arabia 4-0 to strengthen their position in Group H.

Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal made an immediate impact on his return to the starting XI, sliding home the opening goal after ten minutes. At 18 years and 343 days, Yamal became the eighth-youngest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.

Mikel Oyarzabal then took centre stage, scoring twice in the space of three minutes as Spain’s relentless pressure overwhelmed Saudi Arabia. His first came after Yamal’s early influence, before he capitalised on Saudi Arabia’s failure to clear their lines to add a second from close range.

An unfortunate own goal from Hassan Al Tambakti completed the scoring shortly after the break, while Ferran Torres had a late effort ruled out for offside. Spain were dominant from start to finish and look every bit a side capable of making a deep run in the tournament.

Uruguay 2 Cabo Verde 2

Cabo Verde’s remarkable FIFA World Cup debut continued as they held two-time champions Uruguay to an entertaining 2-2 draw.

The island nation stunned Uruguay by taking the lead in spectacular fashion in the 21st minute. Telmo Arcanjo won a free-kick from distance and Kevin Pina stepped up to fire through a gap in the wall and into the bottom corner from 34 yards.

Uruguay responded strongly before half-time, scoring twice in quick succession to turn the match around. Maximiliano Araújo stooped to head home after Rodrigo Bentancur’s effort came back off the post, before Agustín Canobbio reacted sharply to guide Araújo’s knock-down beyond goalkeeper Vozinha deep into stoppage time.

But Cabo Verde refused to fade. Hélio Varela struck in the 61st minute to level the contest and ensure the debutants claimed another famous point. Having already held Spain, Cabo Verde have now taken points from two former World Cup winners and head into their final group match against Saudi Arabia with everything still to play for.

Results
Group G
Belgium 0 Iran 0
Uruguay 2 (Maximiliano ARAÚJO 44’, Agustín CANOBBIO 45+6’) Cabo Verde 2 (Kevin PINA 21’, Hélio VARELA 61’)

Group H
Spain 4 (Lamine YAMAL 10’, Mikel OYARZABAL 21’, 24’, Hassan AL TAMBAKTI 49’ (OG)) Saudi Arabia 0
New Zealand 1 (Finn SURMAN 15’) Egypt 3 (Mostafa ZICO 58’, Mohamed SALAH 67’, TREZEGUET 82’)

Coming up

Group J: Argentina v Austria (5am NZT), Jordan v Algeria (3pm NZT) 
Group I: France v Iraq (9am NZT), Norway v Senegal (12pm NZT)

Photo Credit: FIFA via Getty Images