The World Cup features four matches this Monday, with two games in the early evening (French time) and two matches in the early hours of Tuesday morning. These matches are from Groups G and H, and represent the first round of group stage fixtures.
Spain faces Cape Verde at 6:00 PM, Belgium plays against Egypt at 9:00 PM, Saudi Arabia takes on Uruguay at midnight, and then Iran meets New Zealand at 3:00 AM. The matches are broadcast in France on beIN Sports 1, with three matches also shown on M6.
Spain – Cape Verde: Spain expected to make an early impact
The first match of the tournament pits Spain against Cape Verde in Group H. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM French time. The match will be broadcast in France on beIN Sports 1 and M18. Spain enters this match as the favorite. The goal is to make a strong start to the competition and immediately secure three points in a group where every result will be crucial for qualification. Facing a Cape Verde team less accustomed to this level of competition, the Spanish national team will need to avoid a false start and assert their dominance from the outset. For Cape Verde, this match represents a test against one of Europe's elite nations. The objective will be to maintain their collective strength, stay in the game as long as possible, and try to exploit any gaps or set pieces.
Belgium vs. Egypt: an important match in Group G
Belgium faces Egypt at 21:00 PM French time in Group G. The match will be broadcast in France on beIN Sports 1 and M6. Belgium enters the competition aiming to kick off its group stage campaign with a victory. This opening match is crucial for establishing a strong position in the qualification race and avoiding additional pressure in subsequent matches. Egypt also has a lot riding on this game. Against a Belgian side that is expected to perform well, a positive result would give them a significant advantage in what is otherwise an open group. The match pits a Belgian team that needs to live up to its status against an Egyptian team that can aim for a strong result right from the start.
Saudi Arabia – Uruguay: Uruguay under pressure at midnight
Saudi Arabia plays Uruguay at midnight (00:00 AM CET) on Monday night/Tuesday morning in France. This Group H match will be broadcast on beIN Sports 1 and M6. Uruguay starts the tournament with a higher ranking and needs to prove themselves right from the start. A victory would be crucial to keep pace with Spain in the race for the top spots in the group. A loss would complicate their path further. Saudi Arabia will be looking to cause an upset. Their challenge will be to maintain a solid defense, contain Uruguay's intensity, and capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities. In a tough group, a point or even a win against Uruguay would be vital for qualification.
Iran vs. New Zealand: a direct duel at 03:00 AM
The final match of the schedule pits Iran against New Zealand in Group G. Kick-off is scheduled for 03:00 AM French time, in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The match will be broadcast in France on beIN Sports 1. This match could directly impact the qualification battle. In a group that also includes Belgium and Egypt, both Iran and New Zealand know that a positive result in this encounter could be crucial to maintaining their position. Iran will be aiming for a victory to secure three points against a theoretically beatable opponent. New Zealand, for their part, will be looking to avoid an opening defeat and stay in contention before the two remaining group matches.
Where and when to watch the matches?
In France, Spain vs. Cape Verde is broadcast at 6:00 PM on beIN Sports 1 and M6. Belgium vs. Egypt is broadcast at 9:00 PM on beIN Sports 1 and M6. Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay is broadcast at midnight on beIN Sports 1 and M6. Iran vs. New Zealand is broadcast at 3:00 AM on beIN Sports 1.
