World Cup 2026: Spain vs Cape Verde and Other Matches Predictions

The World Cup 2026 Group Stage Continues

The World Cup group stage continues on Monday, with four more matches taking place across the United States. Spain begin their campaign against World Cup newcomers Cape Verde, Belgium face Egypt in what could be one of the day’s closest games, Saudi Arabia take on Uruguay in Miami, and Iran meet New Zealand in Los Angeles.

Spain vs Cape Verde: Predictions and Schedule

Spain take on Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, with kickoff scheduled for 12pm local time (16:00 GMT). Spain are the clear favourites to win, but Cape Verde have already made history by reaching the World Cup for the first time. Opta’s predictions strongly favour Spain, giving them an 87.2 percent chance of winning the Group H opener.

Belgium vs Egypt: A Close Match Expected

Belgium face Egypt at Seattle Stadium in Seattle at the same time, with the Group G rivals also getting under way at 12pm local time (19:00 GMT). This one could be much closer than many people expect, with Opta’s predictions suggesting there is very little separating the sides.

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay: Past Encounters

Saudi Arabia and Uruguay have met only once before at a World Cup. Uruguay won that match 1-0 in 2018. The predictions favour Uruguay, with Opta giving them a 64.7 percent chance of winning.

Iran vs New Zealand: First Competitive Meeting

Iran and New Zealand have only played each other twice before, and this will be their first meeting in a competitive match. The predictions give Iran the edge, with Opta giving them a 53.8 percent chance of winning.

Beyond the Football: Other World Cup Stories

Away from the football, Uruguay’s disrupted travel plans, divisions within Los Angeles’s Iranian American community before Iran’s opener, and Haiti’s inspiring return to the World Cup are all drawing attention beyond the pitch.