The 11th matchday (Sunday) of the 2026 World Cup features four group-stage matches, headlined by European champions Spain—who had a shaky start—against Saudi Arabia. Iran will face Belgium amid ongoing travel restrictions affecting the Middle Eastern team.
Full schedule (EDT/GMT):
- Spain vs Saudi Arabia – Atlanta Stadium, USA – 12:00 EDT (16:00 GMT)
- Belgium vs Iran – Los Angeles Stadium, USA – 15:00 EDT (19:00 GMT)
- Uruguay vs Cape Verde – Miami Stadium, USA – 18:00 EDT (22:00 GMT)
- New Zealand vs Egypt – BC Place, Vancouver, Canada – 21:00 EDT (01:00 GMT Monday)
According to Opta's supercomputer, Spain have an 86.7% chance of beating Saudi Arabia (4.3%). Belgium are favored with a 67.5% win probability, while Iran only have 13.2%. Uruguay dominate Cape Verde (67.2% win), and Egypt hold a 59.6% chance against New Zealand. None of today's matches will decide qualification or elimination.
In other developments, Germany have officially secured their spot in the World Cup knockout stage after a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday, topping Group E. It is the first time since the 2018 and 2022 tournaments that the Germans have advanced past the group stage.
Travel restrictions for Iran
Iran remain subject to U.S. travel restrictions: the team are only allowed into the U.S. within 24 hours of each match and must return to their training base in Tijuana, Mexico immediately after. Coach Amir Ghalenoei called his side "the most oppressed team at the World Cup," while a White House official said the current plan remains unchanged and they will continue to assess the situation ahead of their match against Egypt on June 26.
'Don't touch Rocky!'
France's official fan group have warned supporters not to wear team jerseys on the Rocky Balboa statue in Philadelphia, citing a local sports superstition. Earlier, Ecuador lost a match after fans did the same.
Doku's dilemma
Belgium forward Jeremy Doku may face a tricky situation: his wife Shireen is due to give birth in the second week of July. If the team are still playing in the quarter-finals, Doku has expressed a desire to be present for the birth. "It's our first child, I definitely want to be there," the 24-year-old said.
