The World Cup continues this Sunday with four matches from the second round of fixtures in Groups G and H. The schedule features eight teams, all still searching for their first win in these two groups. In Group G, Belgium, Iran, New Zealand, and Egypt each have one point after the first round. In Group H, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Cape Verde also have one point.
Spain opens the evening against Saudi Arabia
The first match pits Spain against Saudi Arabia at 6 p.m. French time at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The game will be broadcast on M18 and beIN Sports 1. Spain is coming off a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, while Saudi Arabia started with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay. This match could give the winner an early lead in Group H, where no team has won on the opening day.
Belgium-Iran, the first turning point in Group G
At 21 p.m., Belgium faces Iran at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, also broadcast on M6 and beIN Sports 1. Belgium began their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Egypt. Iran earned a point in a 2-2 draw against New Zealand. Group G remains wide open before this second matchday, with four teams tied on points.
Uruguay-Cape Verde overnight
At midnight, Uruguay faces Cape Verde at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The match is scheduled to beIN Sports 1. Uruguay scored in their opening match but failed to defeat Saudi Arabia. Cape Verde, in their first World Cup appearance, earned a point against Spain. This encounter could directly alter the top of Group H before the final matchday, scheduled for June 27.
New Zealand vs. Egypt to close out the day
The final match of the schedule pits New Zealand against Egypt at 3:00 AM French time at BC Place in Vancouver. The game will be broadcast on beIN Sports 1. New Zealand comes into the match on the back of a 2-2 draw against Iran. Egypt is coming off a 1-1 draw against Belgium. As in Group H, a victory would give them a favorable position going into the third round of matches.
The goal: to get ahead before the final day
The format of the 2026 World Cup allows for greater flexibility than before: the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams qualify for the round of 2. A victory on this second matchday can significantly improve a team's chances of advancing to the next round. Conversely, a defeat keeps the team under pressure before their final group match.
