Four World Cup Draws in a Day Highlight Asia’s Strong Start

The 2026 World Cup produced a rare statistical oddity over the past 24 hours: all four matches played ended in draws. The run began with Cape Verde holding Spain to a shocking 0-0, followed by Belgium’s unexpected 1-1 draw with Egypt. Saudi Arabia then earned a spirited 1-1 result against Uruguay, and Iran and New Zealand closed the stretch with an entertaining 2-2 tie.

To find the last time every match in a single day finished without a winner, the article says one must go back 68 years, to the 1958 World Cup. That day, Sweden drew 0-0 with Wales, Yugoslavia tied Paraguay 3-3, England and Austria finished 2-2, and Nigeria and Germany also ended 2-2.

So far, 16 matches have been played in the tournament, and they have already produced several surprises. Based on results to date, Asia is the strongest continent in percentage terms, with a 55.6% success rate, two wins, four draws and no losses.

Europe is second at 46.7%, with three wins, five draws and two defeats. CONCACAF is next on the same percentage, with two wins, one draw and two losses. Africa stands at 33.3%, with one win, three draws and two losses, while Oceania has one draw. South America is last with 16.7%, after two defeats, two draws and no wins.