World Cup Day 11: Spain Need a Win, Iran Face Another Political Test

The 2026 World Cup continues on Day 11, with several teams trying to secure a place in the round of 32. Spain, shocked by a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, now have to beat Saudi Arabia to avoid trouble. Iran are also back in a politically charged fixture, as they play in the United States for the first time since the signing of a memorandum of understanding. Uruguay, meanwhile, want to silence Cape Verde, and New Zealand and Egypt are still chasing their first ever World Cup win.

Spain meet Saudi Arabia at 7:00 PM in Atlanta. The preview expected to focus on how many goals Spain would score against Cape Verde, but instead the reigning title favorite is coming off a disappointing scoreless draw and now must win. The piece says Spain can still go very far in the tournament, but needs to think more about attack and less about constant sideways passing. Saudi Arabia, after drawing 1-1 with Uruguay, have nothing to lose and could still advance, especially with Cape Verde waiting in the final group match.

Belgium face Iran at 10:00 PM in Inglewood. Iran arrive in the United States for the first time since the memorandum was signed, again with one-day visas and a requirement to leave immediately after the match. The team drew 2-2 with New Zealand in the opener, and would welcome a first tournament win. Belgium also disappointed, drawing 1-1 with Egypt. The article says Belgium’s golden generation is almost gone, and with the current squad they are now a fairly ordinary side that could miss the next round again, after failing to get out of the group stage in the previous tournament.

Uruguay play Cape Verde at 1:00 AM in Miami. Uruguay, the winners of the first World Cup in 1930, are described as a team that likes these kinds of matches, against opponents coming off a historic and unexpected success. After drawing 1-1 with Saudi Arabia, Uruguay will be eager to “silence” Cape Verde, with Darwin Núñez and Federico Valverde expected to take out their frustration on Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha. New Zealand meet Egypt at 4:00 AM in Vancouver, with both sides coming off draws and still seeking a historic first win in the tournament. The match is described as completely open, with the winner taking a huge step toward the next round; Mohamed Salah will try to add to his World Cup scoring total, after his two goals at Russia 2018.