FIFA World Cup 2026: Belgium 0-0 Iran; Cabo Verde 2-2 Uruguay

Los Angeles / Miami: Belgium were held to a 0-0 draw by Iran in Los Angeles while debutants Cabo Verde came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with Uruguay in Miami, leaving all four teams still seeking full points in their groups.

In Group G at the Los Angeles Stadium, Belgium dominated possession but failed to convert chances as both goalkeepers produced crucial saves. Kevin De Bruyne threatened from distance early and combined with Leandro Trossard to create openings, while Youri Tielemans and Maxim De Cuyper also tested Iran’s keeper Alireza Beiranvand. Iran countered effectively, with Hossein Kanaani and Mehdi Taremi causing problems; one Taremi strike from a set-piece was disallowed for offside.

The contest shifted after a costly error by Belgium centre-back Nathan Ngoy, whose misplaced back pass forced him into a professional foul and earned a straight red card with about 20 minutes remaining. Reduced to ten men, Belgium relied on Thibaut Courtois for several late saves but could not break down Iran’s defence. Rudi Garcia introduced Hans Vanaken, Dodi Lukebakio and Timothy Castagne to chase a winner, and debutant Matias Fernandez-Pardo added late attacking impetus, but the match finished 0-0. The result leaves both Belgium and Iran still searching for a first win after two matches.

In Group H at Miami Stadium, Cabo Verde — making only their second World Cup appearance — recovered from a half-time deficit to draw 2-2 with Uruguay. Kevin Pina opened the scoring for Cabo Verde with a long-range free-kick from 34 yards that squeezed through the wall. Uruguay then struck twice before the break: Maxi Araujo nodded home after Rodrigo Bentancur’s header ricocheted off the post, and Agustin Canobbio finished from Araujo’s knock-down.

Cabo Verde levelled when Helio Varela capitalised on a defensive mix-up to score; the 20-year-old described netting on his World Cup debut as a dream come true. Both sides saw veteran goalkeepers start — Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera and Cabo Verde’s Vozinha — marking the first World Cup match to feature two goalkeepers in their 40s. Despite late pressure from Uruguay and encouragement from legend Luis Suarez in the stands, Cabo Verde held on for a valuable point that boosts their hopes of reaching the last 32. Coach Bubista praised his players’ bravery and organization, noting physical strains late in the game.

The draws leave Group G’s standings tightly contested and Group H open, with Uruguay’s path to the knockout stage under increased pressure. Cabo Verde face Saudi Arabia next, while Belgium and Iran continue their campaigns with remaining group fixtures still to come.

(Inputs from IANS)