By Newspot Nigeria Sports Desk
Day Five of the 2026 FIFA World Cup belonged to the underdogs as all four matches ended in draws, denying several tournament favourites the victories many expected.
The biggest surprise came in Group H, where Cape Verde held Spain to a goalless draw. Spain dominated possession and entered the contest as overwhelming favourites, but the African side produced a disciplined defensive performance to earn one of the most memorable results in its football history.
Group G also delivered a shock as Egypt battled Belgium to a 1-1 draw. The Red Devils were expected to begin their campaign with three points, but Egypt matched them throughout the contest and left with a deserved share of the spoils.
Saudi Arabia continued the trend of giant-killing performances by holding Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in Group H. The South Americans struggled to break down a determined Saudi side that refused to be intimidated by its more illustrious opponent.
The highest-scoring match of the day came in Group G, where Iran and New Zealand played out an entertaining 2-2 draw. Both sides traded goals in a fast-paced encounter that ensured Day Five ended without a single winning team.
Day 5 Results
🇪🇸 Spain 0-0 Cape Verde 🇨🇻
🇧🇪 Belgium 1-1 Egypt 🇪🇬
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay 🇺🇾
🇮🇷 Iran 2-2 New Zealand 🇳🇿
Key Talking Points
- Every match ended in a draw.
- Cape Verde produced the result of the day by shutting out Spain.
- Egypt denied Belgium an opening victory.
- Saudi Arabia frustrated Uruguay in Group H.
- Iran and New Zealand delivered the highest-scoring match of the day.
By The Numbers
- 8 goals scored across four matches.
- 4 draws from 4 games.
- 1 clean sheet draw – Spain 0-0 Cape Verde.
- No European or South American team managed a victory on the day.
Standout Result
Spain 0-0 Cape Verde
Cape Verde produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far, holding Spain scoreless and collecting a historic World Cup point against one of football’s traditional powers.
— Newspot Nigeria
