LIVE

HIGHLIGHTS | FIFA World Cup 2026, Day 5: Iran and New Zealand level at 2-2 after enthralling encounter

Elijah Just struck again early in the second half to put New Zealand 2-1 ahead, but Mohammad Mohebi responded with a superb finish to level the match at 2-2.
Iran’s Mohammad Mohebbi celebrates scoring their second goal.
Iran’s Mohammad Mohebbi celebrates scoring their second goal. Photo | AP
TNIE online desk

Iran take center stage at World Cup

Iran will take center stage at the World Cup on Monday after arriving in the United States following a build-up shrouded by uncertainty due to war in the Middle East.

The Iranian squad, whose preparations have been dogged by political tensions and visa issues arising from the US-Israel military strikes on Iran, face New Zealand at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, a day after touching down in California on Sunday.

Iran were initially to be based in Tucson, Arizona for the tournament, but switched their training base to Tijuana, Mexico at the 11th hour as a result of ongoing tensions with World Cup co-hosts the United States over visa issues.

Iran World Cup coach says 'impacted' by politics but ignoring 'hype'

Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei said on Sunday political tensions and visa issues have damaged his side's preparations for the World Cup but insisted his players will not "pay attention to any of the hype."

Iran have arrived at the tournament under the shadow of a bitter diplomatic row, after the United States -- in military conflict with Iran for months -- refused to issue visas for some team support staff.

"We are here to perform a good match, a high-quality match. We don't pay attention to any of the hype and anything that goes on around us," Ghalenoei said in a press conference in response to a question from AFP.

"Naturally, all teams have their own problems, and in many countries, many things happen that have nothing to do with football."

Summary

Welcome to TNIE's live coverage of Day 5 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Day 5 action will see Spain kick off their Group H campaign against Cabo Verde, followed by Belgium's Group G opener against Egypt. Saudi Arabia will then take on Uruguay in the other Group H fixture, before Iran round off the day's action with a Group G clash against New Zealand.

Below are Day 5's fixtures, with all times in IST:

Spain vs Cabo Verde – (9:30 pm)

Belgium vs Egypt – (12:30 am)

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay – (3:30 am)

Iran vs New Zealand – (6:30 am)

Day 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup saw Germany thrash debutants Curacao 7-1, while Japan scored late to salvage a thrilling draw against the Netherlands. Ivory Coast needed a stoppage-time goal to edge past Ecuador, and Sweden rounded off the day with a five-star rout of Tunisia.

'He's fit and in good shape': Spain manager on Lamine Yamal's recovery

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said that Lamine Yamal is fully fit and progressing well in his recovery.

He explained that Yamal, along with other players who had minor injury concerns, has been training well and is available for selection.

However, De la Fuente indicated that these players are unlikely to start the match and may instead be used later in the game.

Yamal has not played since April, as the 18-year-old struggled with groin issues and a hamstring injury.

Spain kicks off against debutants Cabo Verde

Debutants Cape Verde hold Spain at half-time in Group H opener

Underdogs Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, held off the Spanish storm as both sides headed into the dressing room level at half-time.

Toothless Spain held by Cape Verde on World Cup debut

Spain's ghosts of recent World Cup horror shows reappeared in Atlanta as the European champions were held 0-0 by debutants Cape Verde in their opening game on Monday.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Lukaku rescues Belgium, denies historic win to Egypt

Romelu Lukaku forced Egypt into an own goal within seconds of entering the game and favored Belgium escaped with ​a 1-1 draw in the opening Group G match of the 2026 ‌World Cup at Seattle Stadium on Monday

Uruguay held to 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia in World Cup opener

Saudi Arabia and Uruguay played out a 1-1 draw in their Group H World Cup opener on Monday, with Abdulelah Al Amri’s first-half strike for the Gulf nation cancelled out by Maxi Araújo in a match marked by goalkeeping errors at both ends.

Uruguay dominated the first half but Saudi Arabia went ahead against the run of play in the 41st minute when goalkeeper Fernando Muslera spilled a set-piece into Al Amri’s path, allowing him to slot home.

The result leaves Group H finely balanced after the opening round of matches, with all four teams on one point following Spain’s draw with Cape Verde earlier on Monday.

Iran and New Zealand are level at 2-2 in enthralling encounter in Los Angeles

Iran came from behind twice to salvage a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their Group G World Cup opener in Los Angeles.

The second-half of the match began with Elijah Just scoring for the second time, giving the Kiwis 2-1 lead. However, Mohammad Mohebi geave  befitting reply to New Zealand with a terrific score, making it 2-2. 

2026 FIFA World Cup

X
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com