World Cup Day 5 Delivers Four Draws, Including Cape Verde’s Shock Against Spain

Day 5 of the 2026 World Cup ended with no winners in any of the four matches and surprises across the board. The biggest result was Cape Verde’s stunning 0-0 draw with Spain, the reigning European champions and pre-tournament favorite. Spain struggled to create quality chances, and Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, produced a landmark performance as the oldest keeper ever to keep a clean sheet on a World Cup debut.

The politically charged Iran-New Zealand match finished 2-2 amid the announcement of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran. Before kickoff, parts of the crowd booed the Iranian anthem, while others cheered. Fans also waved Shah-era Iranian flags, despite FIFA’s ban, and some sections displayed Israeli flags, Palestinian flags, and even a flag combining Israel, Iran, and the United States. On the field, Iran fell behind twice to Elijah Just, but Ramin Rezaeian and Mehdi Mohebi equalized. Both teams will seek their first win in the remaining group matches, against Egypt and Belgium.

Belgium and Egypt drew 1-1 in a match that kept Egypt from securing its first-ever World Cup victory. Mohamed Salah assisted Emam Ashour in the 20th minute, but Egypt faded after the break and conceded an own goal after Romelu Lukaku came on as a substitute only moments earlier. The result leaves both teams well placed in an evenly balanced group.

Uruguay also disappointed, drawing 1-1 with Saudi Arabia. Uruguay struggled to break down Saudi Arabia’s compact defense, led by former Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Giorgos Donis, and fell behind to a goal by Al Amri in the 41st minute after a poor save by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Marcelo Bielsa’s side pressed forward, missed several chances, and finally equalized through Maxi Araujo, but Saudi goalkeeper Al Owais made a series of crucial saves to preserve the point.