DOHA: Arab and Asian representatives Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Egypt all began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaigns by earning draws in their opening group-stage matches, securing valuable early points as the tournament got underway across the United States.
Saudi Arabia Held by Uruguay in Group H
Saudi Arabia opened its Group H campaign with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay in Miami.
The Green Falcons delivered an impressive first-half performance, dominating possession and creating several dangerous opportunities through Salem Al Dawsari and Abdulelah Al Amri. Their efforts were rewarded in the 40th minute when Al Amri found the back of the net to give Saudi Arabia a deserved lead.
Uruguay increased the pressure after the break in search of an equalizer, eventually finding the breakthrough in the 80th minute through Maxi Araujo, who salvaged a point for the South American side.
The result leaves all four teams in Group H level on one point after Spain and Cape Verde played out a surprising goalless draw in the group’s other opening fixture.
Saudi Arabia will face Spain in its second group-stage match on Sunday, while Uruguay takes on Cape Verde.
Iran and New Zealand Share Four Goals in Group G Thriller
At SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Iran and New Zealand played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in their opening Group G encounter.
New Zealand made a strong start, taking the lead in the seventh minute when Elijah Just scored after being set up by captain Chris Wood.
Iran responded through Ramin Rezaeian, who leveled the score in the 32nd minute.
Just restored New Zealand’s advantage early in the second half, scoring his second goal of the match in the 54th minute. However, Iran quickly replied, with Mohammad Mohebi netting the equalizer in the 64th minute.
Both teams collected their first point of the tournament ahead of their upcoming group-stage fixtures.
Egypt and Belgium Settle for Draw in Seattle
In Seattle, Egypt and Belgium also shared the points after a 1-1 draw in their opening Group G match.
The Pharaohs took the lead in the 19th minute through Emam Ashour and maintained their advantage for much of the contest.
Belgium eventually found a way back into the match in the 66th minute when Egypt defender Mohamed Hany inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, resulting in an own goal.
The draw earned both sides a point in the Group G standings. Egypt will face New Zealand in its next match, while Belgium is set to meet Iran.
Group G Wide Open After Opening Round
Following the opening round of Group G matches, all four teams—Egypt, Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand—sit level on one point, setting up a closely contested battle for qualification to the knockout stage.
With Saudi Arabia also claiming a point in Group H, the opening round provided an encouraging start for several teams from the Arab and Asian football community as they continue their World Cup campaigns.
