World Cup 2026: Spain Face Cape Verde, Belgium vs Egypt on June 15

World Cup 2026 group stage resumes Monday with four matches across the United States. Spain begin their campaign against World Cup newcomers Cape Verde. Belgium face Egypt in what is expected to be the day's most balanced contest. Saudi Arabia meet Uruguay in Miami, while Iran take on New Zealand in Los Angeles.

Off the pitch, Uruguay's disrupted travel plans, divisions among Iranian Americans ahead of Iran's opener, and Haiti's inspirational return to the World Cup are also drawing attention.

Match Schedule for June 15

Spain vs Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, kicks off at 12:00 local time (16:00 GMT). Belgium vs Egypt at Seattle Stadium, Seattle, same time (19:00 GMT).

Later, Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay at Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, 18:00 local time (22:00 GMT). The final match of the day is Iran vs New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California, 18:00 local time (01:00 GMT June 16).

Spain vs Cape Verde Preview

Spain are heavy favorites, but Cape Verde have made history with their first World Cup appearance. The teams have never met. In their last two World Cup matches against African opponents, Spain drew Morocco 2-2 in 2018 and lost on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the 2022 quarterfinals.

According to Opta, after 25,000 simulations, Spain have an 87.2% chance of winning their Group H opener. A draw is predicted in 8.1%, while Cape Verde have a 4.8% chance of springing an upset. Nigeria are the only African team to have beaten Spain at a World Cup, winning 3-2 in the group stage in 1998.

Belgium vs Egypt Preview

This match is expected to be highly competitive. In Opta's 25,000 simulations, Belgium win in 37.2% of cases, Egypt in 35.5%, and a draw occurs 27.3% of the time. Belgium are slightly favored, and a single goal could decide the outcome. Belgium face pressure to avoid repeating their group-stage exit in 2022, after finishing third in 2018.

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Preview

The teams have met once at a World Cup, with Uruguay winning 1-0 in 2018. A 2014 friendly in Saudi Arabia ended in a 1-1 draw. Opta predicts Uruguay winning in 64.7% of simulations, Saudi Arabia in 13.9%, and a draw in 21.4%.

Iran vs New Zealand Preview

Iran and New Zealand have met only twice, and this is their first official tournament encounter. The first match ended 0-0 in 1973, followed by a 3-0 Iran win in 2003. Opta gives Iran a 53.8% chance of winning, New Zealand 20.4%, and a draw 25.8%.

Off-Field Stories

Uruguay's travel plans were disrupted by a plane issue. The team was scheduled to fly from Cancun, Mexico to Miami, but the flight was not cleared to enter the US, forcing them to arrange an alternative. The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) said the delay was beyond their control. A replacement aircraft was arranged, and the team is expected to arrive in Florida roughly a day before the match.

Japanese fans continued their tradition of cleaning up stadiums after a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands. The movement began at the 1998 World Cup in France.

The Iranian American community in Los Angeles is divided on how to respond to the Iran team. Some plan to protest, while others support the squad.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended his decision to attend the USA vs Paraguay match instead of Canada's opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina, citing girlfriend Katy Perry's pre-game performance.

Haiti return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, offering hope for a crisis-hit nation. The team faced financial difficulties and played qualifiers on neutral ground. Despite a 2-0 loss to Scotland in their opener, Haitian fans remain proud and hopeful for the future.