New Zealand vs. Egypt Live World Cup 2026 Updates, Scores and Highlights

Might New Zealand be shaping up to be one of the surprises of the 2026 World Cup?

After holding Iran to a 2-2 draw in Los Angeles in their first match in Group G, New Zealand is sitting on a 1-0 lead over Egypt at halftime in Vancouver. It was Finn Surman's header from a corner kick that gave his side an advantage in just the 15th minute of the match, a set piece earned by Elijah Just's clever play on the left wing. Just, who scored a brace in New Zealand's opener, continues to look like a bright spot in Darren Bazeley's outfit.

Egypt, for their part, have been incredibly sloppy on the ball so far. A pass straight to opposing striker Chris Wood on the goalmouth nearly doubled their defect, though the ball didn't find the back of the net. Without a regular supply line into Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, it's been a rough 45 minutes for Egypt.

Will they find a way back into the match in the second half?

Job well done on the celly, New Zealand.

Finn Surman rises up to give his side the 1-0 lead!

Let's get this party started!

Can Elijah Just wow the world yet again? Or will Egypt's star-studded attack help them prevail?

The best feel-good story of the tournament continues to defy the odds. It's another remarkable result for Cabo Verde against an opponent that was expected to definitively beat them. No matter how much Uruguay pressured them with their physicality and directness in the second half, they stayed firm defensively.

Cabo Verde looked much more comfortable in possession in the second half. They didn't unravel after conceding two goals in quick succession at the end of the first half. Captain Ryan Mendes went on a dazzling run to find striker Gilson Benchimol on a direct pass, as he briefly managed to break through the Uruguayan defensive line. A desperate hold from Mathias Olivera is the only way a goal-scoring opportunity could have been prevented. Moments like that inspired more confidence that they can disrupt Uruguay's nervy back four. It ultimately led to a dramatic equalizer.

After being caught out of position a few minutes earlier, Olivera was caught being careless again. He attempted a bizarre pass across the defensive line with no pressure being applied to him. None of his teammates expected him to make that decision, allowing substitute Helio Valera to swarm to it for what proved to be a costly error. Olivera wasn't completely at fault, as Uruguay's most experienced player made an even worse decision.

Goalkeeper Fernando Muslera shockingly left his box to try to clear the ball. He wildly missed it, allowing Valera to score the equalizer on a moment of pure self-inflicted chaos from Uruguay. In a tournament filled with several heroic goalkeeping performances, Muslera ultimately cost his team by trying to do too much. The mistake enraged Uruguay, knowing the importance of needing to win before facing Spain in the final group stage match.

Federico Valverde started getting the ball more to push them forward. He blasted a low shot off an impressive run that looked destined to test Vozinha. As they showed in their first game, Cabo Verde's squad was ready to put their bodies on the line to make crucial blocks. Roberto Lopes was the main leader to keep Cabo Verde sturdy at the back by blocking Valverde's effort. They knew that, as a collective unit, they would need to be cohesive and fearless to earn another valuable point.

The remarkable last-ditch tackles and clearances continued in the 85th minute as Diney Borges and Steven Moreira made vital defensive interventions to prevent Uruguay from regaining the lead. Eventually, those challenges would put Cabo Verde in a precarious position. A clumsy foul by substitute Yannick Semedo, which put Uruguay near the edge of the box, gave Valverde the chance to take a free kick in a great area to score. His attempt went well over the bar, which summed up a frustrating performance for the Real Madrid stalwart.

Both teams had opportunities to win the game in stoppage time. Both defenses responded with tremendous challenges to prevent the opposing attackers from putting a shot on target. It was the end-to-end action you want to see at the World Cup, where a draw isn't acceptable for either team. Cabo Verde consistently went for it, countering intelligently and using their pace to stretch Uruguay. That helped them secure a massive draw, as the Blue Sharks have an excellent chance of making it to the knockout stage.

Cabo Verde magic strikes again. What is Fernando Muslera thinking?

On a scorching Miami night, both teams have brought the intensity for arguably the most compelling match of the day. There were questions about whether Cabo Verde could maintain their high level of performance against one of South America's heavyweights. Despite going behind at the end of the half, they have been more than just competitive. How they started and finished the first half will be the only things they wish they did better.

Uruguay started the game strong, moving the ball quickly and creating penetration off diagonal passes. Manuel Ugarte was at the forefront of their attacks with his impressive passing range. The oft-criticized Manchester United midfielder looks far more confident at the heart of Marcelo Bielsa's midfield. Unfortunately, his efficient distribution wasn't rewarded early on as Guillermo Varela and Federico Vinas wasted good chances.

Uruguay lost control after 20 minutes. After Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur was booked for fouling playmaker Telmo Arcanjo, Cabo Verde found themselves in shooting range for a free kick. That's where midfielder Kevin Pina blasted a free kick over 30 yards from distance into the bottom right corner for their first-ever World Cup goal. It was the latest moment of magic from one of the biggest underdogs in the tournament.

They gradually grew in confidence after making history. While Uruguay created chances, they grew increasingly frustrated, failing to hit the target on any of their first eight shots. Captain Federico Valverde took five shots, yet all of them were out of frustration or rushed. After constant pressure, the breakthrough finally came for La Celeste.

Ugarte's pinpoint passing would be rewarded, as he connected with Bentancur, who was charging into the box. His header hit the right post, going past Vozinha, where Maxi Araujo was able to pounce on the rebound to score the equalizer. The influential winger would be involved in another goal a few minutes later. After another well-placed ball from Ugarte, he was able to guide his header across the goal for Agustin Canobbio to score from close range to take a 2-1 lead into the half. This game is shaping up to be one of the best of the tournament so far. 

A rollercoaster first half ends with La Celeste on top

After their first 8 shots were off target, Marcelo Bielsa's side finally got it on target to get back into the match.

Alternate angle of the Cabo Verde goal

The world's new favorite team has made history with a stunning free kick

Garry Rodrigues is bringing the flash tonight

The beloved goalkeeper's mom is here to watch her son shine.

It's the third straight draw in Group G, as one of the more unpredictable groups keeps on providing new twists. For all the drama and surprises, this match was low on quality, with Belgium and Iran being extremely wasteful in front of the net. Belgium's inability to gain control will be troubling for them following their second lackluster performance. They were fortunate not to concede early in the second half.

Set pieces remain as one of Iran's best avenues for creating chances. A long throw-in caused chaos in the box, leading to Mehdi Taremi getting on the end of it. His volley drew a fine reaction save out of Thibaut Courtois. Despite having little possession, Iran created their fair share of excellent chances to break the deadlock.

They also defended valiantly to close down any opening Belgium found around the box. They were aided by Belgium's all-time leading goal scorer lacking the sharpness needed from a number nine. Romelu Lukaku's lack of match fitness clearly affected his ability to make a difference, as he didn't have the agility and force to get past defenders that you would normally see from him.

Kevin De Bruyne grew into the game more as the second half went on. His off-ball movement allowed him to get the ball more often in dangerous areas, providing that much-needed spark. His sensational touch to keep the ball in Iran's box from Leandro Trossard's lofted ball over the top created a massive goal-scoring opportunity. Maxim De Cuyper was in prime position to score the vital goal. Somehow, Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand made a heroic save with his stretched out left arm to prevent a certain goal from three yards out.

Belgium's creaky defense capitulated in the 66th minute. Nathan Ngoy lost concentration while attempting a back pass. That allowed Taremi to get past him for a potential breakaway. Ngoy pulled him down to prevent the goal-scoring opportunity, leaving the referee with no other choice but to give him a red card. A colossal mistake seemed inevitable from one of Belgium's defenders, given their inability to play out from the back and stay organized.

Iran took the initiative with a man advantage but failed to truly test Courtois. Midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi tested the world-class keeper from 35 yards out, but his shot was comfortably saved. The lack of quality on the ball was evident, which allowed Belgium more chances to counter than expected for a team with ten men. De Cuyper had another fantastic opportunity to be the hero, but his shot lacked the power to produce the breakthrough. Dodi Lukebakio had the final chance with a speculative shot from distance, but it never looked like it would test the keeper.

Both teams will be frustrated with the result. They had opportunities to put themselves in prime position to reach the knockout stage. No matter how hard they tried, both attacks left much to be desired due to poor finishing. No Belgian player has scored a goal in four consecutive World Cup games. Iran will need to be much more imaginative to score against a formidable Egyptian side.

Ngoy will be seeing this one in his nightmares.

Beiranvand with amazing stop in close.

It's another tight game in the tightest group. Iran has been up for the challenge in stifling a Belgian side lacking ideas. They bounced back well after the Red Devils got off to a dominant start, attacking primarily down the left side. Leandro Trossard beat Saleh Hardani multiple times to cause panic across Iran's defense. That led Kevin De Bruyne to find openings on the cutback. Despite creating encouraging attacks, Iran remained compact, blocking multiple shots. Dynamic full-back Maxim De Cuyper forced the first save of the match with a rebound off a De Bruyne blocked shot.

Iran responded well after being completely outplayed in the first ten minutes. Their first major chance came in the 12th minute. Center back Hossein Kanaani connected on a bouncing volley to force Thibaut Courtois into an awkward low save. As the first half went on, Belgium's back line looked extremely vulnerable. The decision to play a high line without pressing was perplexing.

Iran nearly scored a brilliant free kick when captain Ehsan Haji Safi faked the shot with a slick pass through the heart of Belgium's wall. Mehdi Taremi coolly placed his shot in, but the unexpected goal would be ruled out. The veteran striker was offside and penalized for encroachment to rule out what would have been one of the more jaw-dropping goals of the tournament.

It's been a decent first half. Belgium clearly misses Jeremy Doku as the engine of their attack. Besides Youri Tielemans' high-powered shot to the near post in the 21st minute and De Cuyper's volley from a run down the left in the 44th minute after an excellent diagonal ball from Tielemans, they haven't created goal-scoring opportunities after a strong start. Iran should be confident they can not only compete with Belgium, but beat them to go top of Group G.

Called back for off side and infringement with the wall. Whoops.

Proper goalkeeper

Bit late there Mr. Lukaku

Big one in Group H

Big Rom starts up front for Belgium

This was the response Spain needed following Monday's stunning stalemate versus Cabo Verde. There was much more fluidity and quickness with their passing. Lamine Yamal's return to the starting lineup made a massive difference in stretching the field and creating openings in attacking areas. While the second half felt more like a training session, the 2010 World Cup champions know this will be a long tournament, and squad rotation will be needed in lopsided matches like this one. They did start the second half with a bang.

Alex Baena's cross deflected off multiple Saudi players, which fell to Marc Cucarella, who was in acres of space at the far post. He couldn't have connected with the volley more purely to blast the shot on goal. It just went over the line past two Saudi players to make it four for Spain. Cucarella was slightly unfortunate that he wasn't rewarded for his effort, as it went down as an own goal.

Pedro Porro nearly got into the scoring fray with a sharp run to the right side of the box. He was found by Rodri, who has looked sharp so far at the World Cup after an injury-plagued season at Manchester City. Spain will need their captain at his best to become world champions. Porro's powerful low shot was well-saved, as the rebound quickly fell to Ferran Torres in a good area to make it five. His tame header couldn't capitalize on the opportunity to make it a five-star showing.

Torres missed another big chance to get off the mark. A terrific through ball from substitute Mikel Merino found him toward the left side of the box. Torres had space to produce another exquisite goal for Spain, but he sliced his shot well wide after trying to bend the ball with the inside of his right boot. While La Roja was in complete control, they would have liked all their forwards firing again after the shocking result against Cabo Verde. Torres couldn't join Oyarzabal on the score sheet.

Spain will face Uruguay next, which could be a match to determine who finishes first place. That will be pivotal, as whoever finishes second will likely meet Argentina in the Round of 32. Despite the ugly result, Saudi Arabia is still capable of making the knockout stage with a victory over Cabo Verde. Their opening-match draw against Uruguay could prove crucial in securing the four points needed to advance from the group.

OG strikes again as score up to 4-0

The 2024 European champions have sent a reminder to the world about how dominant they can be. They have been in total command, with 72% possession, creating consistent chances and winning the ball back instantly when they lost it. The quick switches of play created opportunities from the start. Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro took shots from distance to get into an attacking rhythm early on. Yamal's fine work getting into dangerous attacking positions would be rewarded in the 10th minute.

His darting run to the back post would result in their first goal after a well-orchestrated attack from a goal kick. Mikel Oyarzabal won the aerial duel to play it off to Rodri, who quickly passed it back to the Real Sociedad striker after continuing his intelligent run. The veteran's persistence paid off as he put a low cross into the box for Yamal to score his first career World Cup goal. It was a vintage Spanish team goal, with pinpoint passing and slick off-ball movement. That started the onslaught.

Pedri nearly scored two minutes later as Saudi Arabia's back line was disoriented after losing possession. Yamal nearly connected with Alex Baena at the back post. Goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais did enough to parry the ball away as the ball fell to Pedri, who wildly blasted his shot over the bar with his weaker foot.

Saudi Arabia repeatedly conceded possession at the back, allowing Spain to get the ball into dangerous areas and take shots on goal. Pedri was at the forefront of winning possession in what was a commanding first-half performance from the stellar midfielder. That would lead to the second goal off a corner.

In a wild sequence from a poorly taken volley from Dani Olmo, the ball deflected off a Saudi Arabian defender to fall in the air for Aymeric Laporte to head the ball toward goal. His header found Oyarzabal, who finished off the chaotic scramble with a composed finish, which was needed for him after missing multiple big chances against Cabo Verde. It wouldn't take long for him to score again.

A diagonal cross from Porro found Marc Cucurella in a classic Spain move with both full backs combining. Real Madrid's new left back darted in to play the ball across to Olmo, who guided it toward Oyarzabal for another smooth finish from close range. It was nearly a first-half hat trick for him following a careless error from Al Owais after losing concentration attempting to play the ball out of Saudi Arabia's goal. Oyarzabal's crafty one-time shot from a tight angle hit the crossbar in what would have been a spectacular goal to cap off a memorable first half. Spain will happily take a 3-0 lead, knowing they are capable of scoring another three in the second half.

Yeah, they're back.

Ok so Yamal and co. not messing around in this one

He has arrived

Only supposed to go 60 minutes though...

All the pressure on Spain in this one

Spain-Saudi Arabia coming up in just over an hour

Testing Spanish midfielder's World Cup ball knowledge.

...where Spain can't settle for anything less than a win 🎥