The FIFA World Cup’s group stage delivered a full day of drama on June 21. The headline act: debutants Cape Verde, who had already held Spain to a draw, stunned Uruguay by taking the lead through Kevin Pina before the South Americans struck twice before half-time. But the island nation fought back after the break to equalize, continuing one of the tournament’s most heartwarming storylines.
Elsewhere, Spain routed Saudi Arabia, while Belgium saw red in a tense draw with Iran. Monday’s schedule promised even more fireworks, with Lionel Messi’s Argentina facing Austria, Kylian Mbappé’s France meeting Iraq in Philadelphia, and Erling Haaland’s Norway taking on Senegal in New York/New Jersey. Messi, who dazzled in Argentina’s opener, is set to turn 39 mid-tournament — concerns about his father Jorge’s health have eased after the family confirmed he is “evolving positively” under medical care.
New Zealand fans marched through the streets of Vancouver ahead of the All Whites’ clash with Egypt, adding to the carnival atmosphere of a tournament spread across North America.
