DALLAS MONTERREY/PHILADELPHIA/HOUSTON, JUN 15 (IANS): Spain’s highly anticipated Group H opener against Cape Verde ended in a 0-0 draw, a result that stunned fans and highlighted the resilience of the World Cup debutants. Ranked second in FIFA standings, Spain entered the contest as overwhelming favourites, but Cape Verde, making their first-ever appearance at the tournament, showcased discipline and determination to secure a memorable point.
Spain controlled the game from the outset, enjoying nearly 74 percent possession and repeatedly testing Cape Verde’s veteran goalkeeper Vozinha. Ferran Torres was denied thrice in the first half, while Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedri also squandered opportunities. Marc Cucurella came close with a dangerous cross, and substitute Lamine Yamal injected energy late on, but Spain’s finishing lacked precision. Cape Verde, meanwhile, relied on counterattacks and defensive organisation, with Sidny Lopes Cabral and Pico Lopes producing crucial blocks to frustrate the Spanish frontline.
The match also saw history made as Cape Verde became the second-smallest nation by land area to feature in a World Cup, following Iceland in 2018. Their disciplined performance drew admiration, with fans celebrating a fairytale debut. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, who opted to rest key players ahead of tougher fixtures against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, will now face questions about his side’s inability to convert dominance into goals.
Japan hold Netherlands in thrilling 2-2 draw
Japan produced a spirited performance to hold the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw in their opening Group F clash at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with an 88th-minute equaliser sealing a dramatic contest in front of 69,285 fans in Texas. The Dutch looked set to claim all three points after Crysencio Summerville’s strike in the 64th minute, but Japan’s resilience ensured they walked away with a valuable point.
The Netherlands began brightly, with Donyell Malen twice testing goalkeeper Zion Suzuki inside the opening minutes, while Cody Gakpo fired over from close range. Their aerial dominance paid off in the 51st minute when Virgil van Dijk rose to head home Ryan Gravenberch’s cross. Yet Japan responded swiftly, as Nakamura wriggled free to fire past Bart Verbruggen with a deflected effort. Summerville restored the Dutch advantage with a curling finish, but Japan refused to relent. Their persistence was rewarded when Kamada scrambled in a chaotic leveller from a corner late in the game.
This match also marked history for the Netherlands, who fielded a starting XI without any home-based players for the first time in World Cup history. For Japan, the result showcased their fighting spirit under Hajime Moriyasu, setting the tone for a competitive campaign in Group F.
Sweden crush Tunisia 5-1
Sweden announced their arrival in Group F with a commanding 5-1 victory over Tunisia, powered by standout performances from Yasin Ayari, Alexander Isak, and Viktor Gyokeres. The Scandinavian side dominated proceedings at Monterrey Stadium, delivering one of the most emphatic wins of the tournament so far.
Ayari opened the scoring with a thunderous strike from outside the box, before Isak doubled the lead following a clever assist from Gyokeres. Tunisia briefly threatened a comeback when Omar Rekik headed home Hannibal Mejbri’s cross for his first international goal, but Sweden quickly reasserted control. In the second half, Isak dispossessed Ellyes Skhiri to set up Gyokeres for a clinical finish, extending the lead to 3-1. Substitute Mattias Svanberg added a fourth, and Ayari capped the rout with another long-range effort.
The victory highlighted Sweden’s attacking depth and defensive solidity, while Tunisia struggled to cope with the relentless pressure. Notably, this match contributed to one of the highest-scoring days in World Cup history, with 19 goals recorded across fixtures, including Germany’s seven-goal demolition of Curacao earlier in the day. Sweden’s performance has positioned them as strong contenders in Group F, combining flair and efficiency to secure a morale-boosting success.
Amad’s late strike lifts Ivory Coast over Ecuador
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo emerged as Ivory Coast’s hero, scoring a 90th-minute winner to secure a thrilling 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their Group E clash at Philadelphia Stadium. The result marked Ivory Coast’s first World Cup win since 2014 and propelled them into second place behind Germany.
The contest was packed with drama, as Ecuador struck the woodwork three times in the opening half. John Yeboah’s powerful drive rattled the crossbar, while Alan Minda’s curling effort and Enner Valencia’s tight-angle strike both struck the frame of the goal. Ivory Coast, however, grew into the game, with Yan Diomande impressing on the right flank and Bazoumana Toure forcing a fingertip save from Hernan Galindez.
At just 19 years and 212 days, Diomande made history as the youngest Ivorian to feature in a World Cup match, adding energy to his side’s attack. The decisive moment came in the dying minutes when substitute Amad calmly slotted into the bottom corner, sparking jubilant celebrations. Ecuador’s missed chances proved costly, while Ivory Coast’s persistence paid off in a contest that showcased their growing potential on the world stage.
Germany thrash Curacao 7-1
Four-time champions Germany began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in ruthless fashion, dismantling debutants Curacao 7-1 in Houston. Felix Nmecha set the tone with the fastest goal of the tournament inside six minutes, and Julian Nagelsmann’s side never looked back.
Curacao, the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup, briefly stunned the crowd when Livano Comenencia equalised midway through the first half, marking a historic moment for the Caribbean nation. However, Germany quickly regained control, with Nico Schlotterbeck’s header restoring the lead before Kai Havertz converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time.
The second half was a showcase of German dominance. Jamal Musiala added a fourth within seconds of the restart, while debutant Nathaniel Brown volleyed home to extend the advantage. Substitute Deniz Undav scored and later assisted Havertz for the seventh goal, completing a comprehensive rout.
Despite Curacao’s spirited effort, Germany’s clinical finishing and relentless pressure proved overwhelming. The victory not only reaffirmed Germany’s credentials as title contenders but also highlighted the gulf in experience between established footballing powers and emerging nations. For Curacao, the night was bittersweet, combining a historic goal with a harsh lesson in World Cup competition.
Wednesday’s matches
France Vs Senegal – 12: 30 am
Iraq Vs Norway – 3: 30 am