World Cup 2026: Day 6 – Tuesday 16 June

 

A monumental result for Cape Verde dominated proceedings at the World Cup yesterday in a day full of draws.

There wasn’t a single winner in any of the matches yesterday – I wonder what the odds would have been for that. Let’s take a look at the results…

 

Yesterday’s results:

Spain 0-0 Cape Verde

 

The most eye-catching result of the tournament so far as European Champions and one of the favourites for this tournament, Spain, were held to a goalless draw by minnows Cape Verde, in their first World Cup appearance.

40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha and 32-year-old Irish born centre-back Roberto Lopes, who plays his football at Shamrock Rovers, were in inspired form to keep out the likes of Mikel Oyazarbal, Ferran Torres and substitutes Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.

The first-timers could have even snatched victory at the death as Diney Borges got his head to a corner but it was straight at Unai Simon. Nevertheless, this was a result that no one in the ground will ever forget.

 

Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay

Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay made a poor start to the tournament, sharing the points with Georgios Donis’ Saudi Arabia.

The side from the Middle East took the lead in the first half as a header from Mohamed Kanno was spilled by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, and Abdulelah Al Amri was there to apply the finish.

Uruguay dominated proceedings as they searched for a leveller, but were frustrated for much of the second half.

Goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais put in an inspired performance, making stunning saves from Matias Vinas and Fede Valverde, but was eventually beaten after 80 minutes. He saved well from Vinas’ header, but Maxi Araujo was there to finish the rebound to rescue a point from Uruguay.

With them still to face Spain and a confident Cape Verde, it has just become an uphill battle for the South Americans to qualify.

 

Belgium 1-1 Egypt

Belgium and Egypt shared the spoils in their opening Group G encounter in Seattle.

Rudi Garcia’s side struggled to get going in the opening exchanges and fell behind thanks to a stunning strike from range from Emam Ashour. Eventually, the Red Devils woke up in the second half. Kevin De Bruyne hit the post from a free-kick, but it was the introduction of Romelu Lukaku that brought the team back into the game.

It was the sheer presence of the giant striker that forced Mohamed Hany to put the ball into his own net and rescue a point for Belgium – neither side could find an eventual winner.

 

 

Iran 2-2 New Zealand

New Zealand’s first World Cup match since 2010 ended with a very creditable draw against an Iran side who had qualified for the last three tournaments – though there was more talk in the build-up about them off the pitch than there was on it.

Amir Ghalenoei’s men fell behind on just seven minutes, against the run of play, with Chris Wood and Elijah Just combining, and the latter finished to put the OFC nation in front.

On the half-hour mark, veteran right-back Ramin Rezaeian started a move before continuing his run and applying the finishing touch.

Just put NZ back ahead before Rezaeian put in a perfect cross for Mohammad Mohebi to head Iran level – and that’s how it remained. A good advert for the World Cup played out by two ‘weaker’ nations.

 

Today’s fixtures:

Group I

France v Senegal

8pm (UK Time)

New York

 

What a clash this is set to be. A repeat of their opening match of the 2002 World Cup, where the Senegalese famously defeated the reigning World Champs. Could it happen again?

We all know how strong the France team are, they have reached the last two World Cup finals and could well do the same again. They have included young talent to their team that weren’t in the squad for Qatar including Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola who look set to take the world by storm.

Senegal themselves are strong though, and have lots of Premier League experience from players including Edouard Mendy, Mamadou Sarr, Kalidou Koulibaly, Malick Diouf, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Sarr, Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diarra, Nicolas Jackson and Iliman Ndiaye. That’s a long list.

Senegal will be well up for this – I think they could nick a point.

 

Sam’s prediction: France 1-1 Senegal

 

Iraq v Norway

11pm (UK Time)

Boston

 

Iraq’s first tournament since 1986 sees them placed into the deep end in the first match, with one task: keep Erling Haaland quiet.

Their Australian coach Graham Arnold has performed a miracle in getting them to qualify, but will have his work cut out for him here.

Norway have some very strong attacking talent including Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Alexsandar Sorloth and Jorgen Strand Larsen, but are a little light at the back – not that this will affect them here, should be a comfortable win in their first World Cup match since 1998.

 

Sam’s prediction: Iraq 0-2 Norway

 

Group J:

Argentina v Algeria

2am (UK Time)

Kansas City

 

The reigning champions are finally back in action. One last dance for Lionel Messi. The core of the squad from Qatar remains. Could they do it again?

Algeria are the first team that stands in their way. They have a useful team with many playing in Europe (or have done in the past, including Riyad Mahrez) but they will be no match for Argentina.

 

Sam’s prediction: Argentina 3-1 Algeria

 

Austria v Jordan

5am (UK Time)

San Francisco

 

Austria return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 and will be looking to get off to a good start against minnows Jordan. Ranked 24^th in the world, Borussia Dortmund duo Marcel Sabitzer and Carney Chukwuemeka will be key in midfield, and they have some good options for the Number 9 role including Marko Arnautovic and Sasa Kalajdzic.

Meanwhile, it’s Jordan’s first appearance at a World Cup (Harry Redknapp was right, the future of football in Jordan was good: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT8BQxC8_ok). Ranked 39 places below Austria, the team from the Middle-East will struggle to get any form of result on the board, but this is arguably the most favourable group game for them.

 

Sam’s prediction: Austria 2-0 Jordan