Spain got their World Cup campaign back on track with a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Atlanta. The European champions arrived in the United States as pre-tournament favourites, but those predictions had come under feverish scrutiny after being held 0-0 by the minnows of Cape Verde. First-night concerns were washed away though as Spain struck three times in the first 24 minutes to take top spot in Group H.
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A late penalty from Teboho Mokoena secured South Africa a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Atalanta, which keeps alive both sides’ hopes of qualification from Group A. After Patrik Schick headed an early chance wide at the far post, the Czechs – showing five changes from the 2-1 defeat to South Korea, including West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek dropped to the bench – took the lead in the sixth minute.
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Cape Verde pulled off the shock of the 2026 World Cup so far as they held European champions Spain to a battling goalless draw in their Group H opener in Atlanta. Despite seeing plenty of possession in the first half, Luis De La Fuente’s team – who started with Lamine Yamal on the bench – were unable to break down a determined Cape Verde defence, as Ferran Torres hit the crossbar from close range.
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