FIFA World Cup Results
Group G
Belgium 5-1 New Zealand
Egypt 1-1 Iran
Group H
Spain 1-0 Uruguay
Cape Verde 0-0 Saudi Arabia
New York, USA: Belgium produced one of the most dominant performances of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, thrashing New Zealand 5-1 to finish top of Group G, while African sides Egypt and Cape Verde also sealed places in the Round of 32 after dramatic final-day encounters.
The Red Devils of Europe brushed aside the All Whites with an attacking masterclass to end the group on seven points, edging Egypt on goal difference after the Pharaohs drew 1-1 with Iran.
Belgium took control from the opening whistle and raced into an early lead through Leandro Trossard before overwhelming New Zealand with wave after wave of attacks. Their fluid movement and clinical finishing exposed the Oceania side, who struggled to cope with the pace and quality of Rudi Garcia’s side.
New Zealand managed a consolation goal late in the closing stages of the game, but were unable to prevent a heavy defeat that ended their tournament hopes.
The emphatic victory ensured Belgium finished as Group G winners and booked a Round of 32 meeting with one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
In the group’s other decisive fixture, Egypt held on for a 1-1 draw against Iran to secure second place and qualify for the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 1990.
The Pharaohs entered the match knowing that avoiding defeat would almost certainly be enough to progress, and they delivered under pressure despite a spirited Iranian performance.
Egypt’s disciplined defensive display and crucial point earned them a last-32 showdown with Australia.
Cape Verde make history
Elsewhere, Cape Verde continued one of the tournament’s biggest fairy-tale stories by becoming the smallest nation to reach the World Cup knockout rounds after battling to a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia.
The island nation, making its FIFA World Cup debut, needed only a point to advance and produced a disciplined defensive performance to finish second in Group H behind Spain.
Cape Verde frustrated Saudi Arabia throughout the contest, with goalkeeper Vozinha making several important saves while the backline stood firm under sustained pressure.
Their qualification caps an extraordinary group-stage campaign that saw them draw with both Uruguay and Spain before earning the decisive point against Saudi Arabia.
They will now face defending world champions Argentina in what promises to be one of the most intriguing Round of 32 fixtures.
Spain edge Uruguay to win Group H
Spain completed a flawless Group H campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Uruguay.
The Europeans controlled possession for long periods before finding the breakthrough to secure maximum points from all three matches.
The result condemned Uruguay to third place, leaving La Celeste waiting anxiously to discover whether their four-point tally will be enough to progress among the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Round of 32 taking shape
With Groups G and H concluded, several heavyweight knockout ties have already been confirmed.
Belgium will face one of the best third-placed qualifiers, while Egypt prepare for a difficult encounter against Australia.
Cape Verde’s reward is a blockbuster meeting with Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina, while Spain await the runners-up from Group J.
Attention now shifts to the final round of Group J, Group K and Group L fixtures, which will complete the Round of 32 line-up ahead of the knockout phase beginning this weekend.
Final Group G Standings
- Belgium – 7 pts
- Egypt – 5 pts
- Iran – 5 pts
- New Zealand – 1 pt
Final Group H Standings
- Spain – 9 pts
- Cape Verde – 5 pts
- Uruguay – 2 pts
- Saudi Arabia – 1 pt
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
