The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered another round of surprises as draws dominated Groups G and H, with all matches in both groups ending without a winner.
In Group G, Belgium and Egypt played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in Seattle. Egypt struck first in the 19th minute through Emam Ashour after a well-worked move involving captain Mohamed Salah. However, Belgium found an equalizer in the second half when defender Mohamed Hany inadvertently turned the ball into his own net following pressure from substitute Romelu Lukaku.
Egypt came close to recording their first-ever victory at a World Cup finals tournament, but the own goal denied them a historic triumph. Belgium also missed several clear opportunities, with Kevin De Bruyne striking the woodwork and Lukaku wasting a late chance to secure all three points.
The other Group G fixture between Iran and New Zealand also ended in a 2-2 draw, leaving all four teams level on one point after the opening round of matches.
In Group H, European champions Spain were held to a goalless draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde. The African nation produced a disciplined defensive performance, with veteran goalkeeper Vozinha emerging as the hero after making a series of crucial saves.
Saudi Arabia also demonstrated their competitiveness by earning a 1-1 draw against Uruguay. The result means all four teams in Group H also begin their campaigns with one point each.
After the first round of fixtures, no team has managed to establish an early advantage in either Group G or Group H. The situation sets up an exciting battle in the coming matches, where every point could prove decisive in the race for qualification to the knockout stage.
Next up in Group G, Belgium will face Iran while Egypt take on New Zealand. In Group H, Spain will meet Saudi Arabia, while Uruguay will go head-to-head with Cape Verde.
