World Cup 2026 Day 5: Group H Recap

Group H of the World Cup includes a European giant among the favorites to win the tournament, a South American powerhouse with a rich history, a Middle Eastern country that aspires to become a world power, and a small West African island making its tournament debut. 

General view of Spain and Cape Verde flags on the pitch before the match

Bernadett Szabo

World Cup Group H - Matchday 1 

Spain 0-0 Cape Verde

This was a result absolutely nobody expected. The biggest shocker of the tournament unfolded in Atlanta on Monday afternoon with Spain and Cape Verde fighting to a 0-0 draw. After Germany blew out Curacao yesterday, 7-1, the easy assumption was that this match would've unfolded in a similar fashion, or worse. 

But what makes the World Cup so special and unique are results like this. 

Spain has the best odds to win the World Cup at +450, while Cape Verde is at +100000! Spain controlled every aspect of this match, but Cape Verde's goalkeeper, Vozinha, was incredibly clutch, making seven saves. 

Cape Verde's Vozinha makes a save from Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal

Bernadett Szabo

Vozinha had 50k followers on Instagram heading into the match and now has over 4M, with more coming. It doesn't matter who you are or where you are from. If you are clutch in the World Cup, you become a global name. 

Spain spent most of the first half camped in Cape Verde's end. The best chance from Spain came right near the end of the first half when Ferran Torres struck the crossbar. There was a quick follow-up chance from Spain, but Vozinha reacted quickly for a save. Cape Verde's defense remained compact and disciplined, limiting Spain's dangerous attempts in the first 45 minutes. 

Cape Verde's Pico Lopes, Ryan Mendes and Joao Paulo celebrate as Spain's Lamine Yamal looks dejected after the match

Bernadett Szabo

Spain continued to push hard in the second half. Lamine Yamal was subbed on in the 71st minute with the hope of finally being able to provide a goal, but Cape Verde didn't budge. Yamal flashed like normal with his skills in his first-ever World Cup appearance and his first appearance back from a hamstring injury. 

A 0-0 draw against the defending European champions is a dream start for Cape Verde. Their hopes of reaching the knockouts are well alive. For Spain, there is most definitely frustration of being shut down despite controlling the whole match. It's not an easy run in this tournament for anybody.

Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay 

Both matches in Group H ended in draws on Monday, but at least Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay didn't end scoreless. 

General view inside the stadium as the teams line up before the match

Paul Childs

Saudi Arabia loves being a spoiler on opening matches of the World Cup now, I guess. They looked confident and fluid from the opening whistle and went up 1-0 in the 41st minute. Musab Al Juwayr provided a great delivery from a corner that ended up at Saud Abdulhamid. Abdulhamid's attempt was saved by Fernando Muslera. Muslera couldn't fully clear the ball, and Abdulelah Al Amri managed to tap it home to put Saudi Arabia up 1-0. 

Saudi Arabia's Abdulelah Al-Amri scores their first goal

Paul Childs

Uruguay struggled mightily in the first half. Darwin Núñez was left isolated, and Federico Valverde spent most of the half playing as a wide attacker, which hurt the midfield. Núñez was subbed off, entering the second half for Agustín Canobbio. 

Once the second half began, Uruguay started to find its legs. Valverde moved into a familiar midfield role, which allowed them to start dominating possession and chance creation.

Uruguay's Maxi Araujo celebrates scoring their first goal with Federico Vinas and Agustin Canobbio

Amanda Perobelli

The constant pressure from Uruguay finally paid off in the 80th minute. Maxi Araújo leveled the match after capitalizing on a rebound that came from a header by Federico Viñas. Uruguay came close a few more times after leveling the match, but wasn't able to find the go-ahead goal. 

Day 5, Group F, Round-up: 

Two draws see Group H completely level, with each nation sitting on one point. Matchday 2 becomes even more critical than originally expected. It's wide open. 

Matchday 2 takes place on June 21. Will we see any of these teams get their first win? As for tomorrow, we, Groups I and J, enter the tournament. Finalists from the last World Cup: France and Argentina headline those teams!