MIAMI/LOS ANGELES/SEATTLE, JUN 16 (IANS): Maxi Araujo scored late to cancel out Abdulelah Al Amri’s first-half strike as Uruguay and Saudi Arabia shared the spoils in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H encounter here at the Miami Stadium on Tuesday (IST).
Uruguay started strong with Araujo forcing a smart save from Mohammed Al Owais before the Saudi goalkeeper produced an even better stop to deny Federico Vinas’s diving header.
Saudi Arabia’s first real threat came from a corner when Fernando Muslera reacted brilliantly to keep out a snap-shot from Al Amri – but Uruguay failed to heed the warning.
Notably, at 39 years and 364 days, Muslera became the oldest player to represent Uruguay at a World Cup, surpassing Diego Godin’s previous record by more than three years.
Another dangerous set-piece created chaos in the box. Uruguay goalkeeper Muslera managed to block a header from Hassan Al Tambakti, but Al Amri reacted the fastest to kick in the rebound and give Saudi Arabia the lead.
Uruguay pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half, with Vinas sending a header just wide of the post. Soon after, Manuel Ugarte beat the Saudi goalkeeper with a powerful long-range shot, but it smashed against the crossbar.
With Saudi Arabia defending deep in their own half, Uruguay’s pressure finally paid off with 10 minutes left in normal time. The Saudi goalkeeper couldn’t hold onto a sharp header from Viñas, allowing Araújo to quickly jump on the loose ball and score.
Federico Valverde tested the goalkeeper again as Uruguay looked for a late winning goal. However, Saudi Arabia held on to secure a valuable draw. The result leaves all four teams in Group H completely level, following tournament debutants Cape Verde’s surprise 0-0 draw against Spain earlier in the day.
Iran hold NZ to 2-2 draw in Group G thriller
Iran denied New Zealand a first FIFA World Cup win after twice battling back for a 2-2 draw in their opening Group G match here at Los Angeles Stadium on Monday.
There were key contributions from Ramin Rezaeian, who scored Team Melli’s opener and crafted their leveller. For New Zealand, an Elijah Just brace, via a pair of Chris Wood assists, twice had the All Whites in front before they ultimately had to settle for a point.
After Mehdi Taremi forced a save from Max Crocombe in a lively start, Elijah Just scored a low, powerful goal to put New Zealand ahead. Chris Wood set up the opening goal and almost created another moments later when he passed to Sarpreet Singh, whose shot forced an uneasy save from Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
Iran fought back through Taremi, whose 20-yard shot hit the post just before the first water break. The break helped Iran, as they returned to the pitch with more energy and quickly scored an equaliser. Rezaeian broke through the defensive line and calmly finished with the outside of his boot past Crocombe, bringing the score to 1-1.
New Zealand restored their advantage early in the second half when Wood released Just for a clipped finish over the advancing Beiranvand.
However, Iran did not stay behind for long. Rezaeian, who scored the earlier goal, turned provider by sending in a perfect cross to Mohammad Mohebbi, who headed the ball powerfully into the net off the post. Neither team could find a winner in the final minutes, with Chris Wood heading the ball straight at the goalkeeper in stoppage time.
New Zealand’s bid for a first World Cup victory rolls on to their next Group G assignment against Egypt on June 22. Iran, meanwhile, faces Belgium.
An end-to-end clash in Los Angeles has seen the fourth consecutive draw of a day that began with Cabo Verde holding the might of Spain.
Ashour strikes, Hany own goal denies Egypt win against Belgium
Egypt were left to rue a missed opportunity for a historic FIFA World Cup victory after settling for a 1-1 draw against Belgium in their Group G opener at FIFA World Cup 2026.
The Pharaohs produced a disciplined and spirited display and looked on course for their first-ever World Cup win after Emam Ashour fired them ahead in the 19th minute. The move began with a moment of brilliance from Mohamed Salah, whose incisive pass unlocked the Belgian defence. Ashour took a composed touch before drilling a low shot beyond goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to register his first international goal.
Egypt carried their advantage deep into the second half and frustrated Belgium’s star-studded attack for long periods.
However, Belgium found a way back in the 66th minute. Moments after coming off the bench, Romelu Lukaku’s movement inside the penalty area created panic in the Egyptian defence. Thomas Meunier delivered a dangerous cross and defender Mohamed Hany inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing Belgium the equaliser.
Despite the disappointment of conceding, Egypt’s performance marked a significant step forward on football’s biggest stage. The North Africans not only earned a valuable point but also surpassed their previous record of 29 minutes spent leading in World Cup matches.
The result leaves Group G finely balanced, with Egypt taking plenty of confidence from a display that pushed one of Europe’s traditional heavyweights all the way.
Scorers: Egypt – Emam Ashour (19’); Belgium – Mohamed Hany (own goal, 66’).