Monday’s lineup of World Cup action didn’t look the most enticing on paper, but it was the day the tournament truly came alive, filled with terrific goals, excitement and surprises. 

We’ve recapped all the happenings from matchday five, including what you missed overnight and the biggest stories from the tournament.

World Cup Day 5:

Cape Verde earn shock draw with Spain

Many would have feared something resembling a repeat of Germany’s 7-1 demolition of Curaçao when Spain met World Cup debutants Cape Verde in Atlanta, but the tiny island nation instead held the European champions to a goalless draw.

Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams started on the bench, but La Roja still would have expected to get the job done in one of the biggest mismatches in history. They created more than enough chances to do so, taking 27 shots on goal.

But a world-class performance from 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who plays in Portugal’s second tier, frustrated the Spaniards with seven massive saves. He was the star man on the day, but the entire backline was magnificent, committing just one foul all game as they refused to relent to the pressure until the final whistle.

It was a dream World Cup debut for Cape Verde, the third-smallest nation in the competition’s history. But for Spain it raises serious questions about their ability to challenge for the trophy.

Read – The best football kits we’ll see at FIFA World Cup 2026

Iran and New Zealand steal the show

Unexpectedly, Iran and New Zealand played out an enthralling clash in Los Angeles that may have been low on quality, but was incredibly high on entertainment.

Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood set up the opener for the All Whites with some exquisite hold-up play, leading to a thumping volley into the back of the net from Motherwell’s Elijah Just in the sixth minute.

Neither defence were capable of keeping it tight at the back, resulting in a plethora of chances for both sides in a wide open encounter. Iran thought they had equalised in the 23rd minute when Mehdi Taremi hit the post with a stinging shot from the edge of the box.

The Persian Cheetahs did manage to get back on level terms before the interval, though. Ramin Rezaeian started and completed the move, poking a lovely finish past Millwall goalkeeper Max Crocombe. They had the ball in the net again on the stroke of halftime, but Ali Nemati was a mile offside.

There was no letup to the fast-paced contest in the second half. Wood and Just combined again, with the latter finishing off a wonderful team move to retake the lead and become the first New Zealander to score twice in a World Cup match.

Iran, though, kept coming back. Rezaeian whipped in a stunning cross for Mohammad Mohebi, whose header beat the outstretched arms of Crocombe and went in off the post.

Amir Ghalenoei’s men pushed hard for a winner, but ultimately both sides had to shake hands on a point apiece after playing out the best game of the tournament so far.

Read – How to watch World Cup highlights this summer

Tunisia eye World Cup vet as manager sacked

After being mauled by Sweden on Sunday, Tunisia took the unusual step of firing their manager in the first week of the tournament. Sabri Lamouchi has been sacked, with Mondher Kebaier potentially taking over on an interim basis.

The Tunisian Football Federation are looking to move quickly to hire a successor, though. Reports claim that they have made contact with French coach Herve Renard.

Renard is a highly experienced in the international game, having taken charge of six national teams in the past. He led Zambia and Ivory Coast to AFCON glory, and has been to three different World Cups with Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the France women’s team.

The 57-year-old was due to take the Saudis to this summer’s tournament in his second spell in charge, but was shockingly sacked in April, just two months out from last night’s opening game against Uruguay. It now looks like he will make it to North America after all.

Uruguay avoid Saudi Arabia upset

Uruguay’s hopes of finishing in the top two of Group H were dented as Saudi Arabia held on for a 1-1 draw in Miami.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side were underwhelming in the first half, to say the least. They were incapable of moving the ball upfield, while their defence look feeble in open play and very shaky on set pieces.

Uruguay took no heed of the warning signs when, shortly before the interval, Al Juwayr’s excellent delivery found Lens full-back Saud Alduhamid at the back post. Fernando Muslera palmed his header back into danger, allowing Abdulelah Al Amri to tap the ball in.

As continues to be the case in this tournament, the second half was a much better watch. Bielsa made a double substitution at the break, which including yoinking Darwin Nunez off. Uruguay were much improved and eventually equalised through Maxi Araujo with ten minutes to go after goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais fluffed his lines.

The Uruguayans piled on the pressure from then on, sending wave after wave of attacks, but Saudi Arabia clung on for a point thanks to Owais, who redeemed himself with nine saves, the most of any keeper in this World Cup so far.

Read – The youngest players ever to feature at a World Cup

Belgium deny Egypt first win

Egypt are still waiting for their first ever win at a World Cup after Romelu Lukaku forced an equaliser just moments after coming off the bench in Seattle.

The first half was a teepid affair aside from one moment of brilliance from Emam Ashour, driving the ball past Thibaut Courtois from the edge of the D after being picked out by Mo Salah.

The game picked up in intensity and entertainment after the break, particularly after Belgium levelled matters in the 66th minute. The Red Devils were poor in the opening half, but Rudi Garcia made a trio of changes to improve their fortunes, the most impactful of which was the introduction of Lukaku.

Just 22 seconds after replacing Charles De Ketelaere, Lukaku made his presence immediately known in the penalty area, attracting the attention of two defenders when Thomas Meunier sent a low cross into the six-yard box. In the desperation to block off the Napoli striker, Mohamed Hany diverted the ball into his own net.

The final quarter of the match became a real contest as both sides went for the win, but it ended all square. Egypt have not won any of their eight games in the World Cup, going all the way back to their debut in 1934.

Read – 10 of the most unforgettable World Cup moments

Read – The five World Cup teams to score 7+ goals this century

See Also – Ronaldo’s redemption at the 2002 World Cup

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