WC Day 10

I’m excited for Spain’s game and expecting a much better performance. No excuses this time—they need to show up.

I agree. Spain were probably the most disappointing team of the first round. If they don't improve dramatically then I'm switching from tipping them to win to no chance at all. On current form they don't even look like making the QFs let alone winning the thing.

Looks like Spain have woken up. They are 2-0 up after 20 minutes.

Goals from Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Make that 3-0 after 23. Oyarzabal gets his second.

I didn't watch the first half, but I caught most of the second, and it was such a relief to see Spain energized, focused, and deliberate again.

Sadly we can't say the same for Belgium.

There's one or two exceptions but I think the minnow nations have proven themselves to be competitive.

Kevin Pina scored a stunning direct free-kick goal as Cape Verde secured another historic point at the World Cup

The Athletic Live Team

June 22, 2026 at 12:14 PM GMT+12

Helio Varela celebrates scoring Cape Verde's second goal Getty Images

Michael Dominski·

Deputy Managing Editor, Live

Result: Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde

Cape Verde has held Uruguay to a 2-2 draw at the World Cup, securing their second famous result at the tournament in the space of a week.

Kevin Pina fired Cape Verde into the lead in the 21st minute with an incredible direct free kick, scoring his nation's first ever goal at the World Cup. After Uruguay responded with two goals from Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio, the African side then got their second as Helio Varela capitalised on some disastrous defending.

The result leaves both nations on two points heading into the final round of matches in Group H.

Share your reaction by joining the conversation above or by emailing us at live@theathletic.com.

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NZ take lead in 15m ... luvly cross meets beautiful header

vs Egypt

NZ 1 - 0 Egypto HT.

Gyppos equal with a header of their own ... 58m

Mo Salah magic 2-1 ... 67 m

Gyppos sphinx NZ 3-1