World Cup 2026 results: Historic day of draws as favourites Spain and Belgium stumble

FootballSports
16 Jun 2026 • 1:56 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

World Cup 2026 results: Historic day of draws as favourites Spain and Belgium stumble

  • Four draws occurred in a single day at the World Cup, marking only the second time in history and the first in 68 years.
  • Iran and New Zealand played out a gripping draw, with Elijah Just scoring twice for the All Whites, while Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi secured a point for Iran.
  • Belgium salvaged a point against Egypt after Romelu Lukaku's introduction led to an own goal, cancelling out Emam Ashour's impressive strike.
  • Tournament favourites Spain were held to a goalless stalemate by Cape Verde, raising concerns about their performance.
  • Uruguay battled back to secure a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia, with Maxi Araujo equalising after Abdulelah Al-Amri had given the Green Falcons the lead.

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