Another day, another four matches of World Cup action to get stuck into. European champions Spain will kick off their campaign against tournament debutants Cape Verde in a match that could see Luis de la Fuente's side put down an early marker.
Spain vs Cape Verde
Time (ET): 12pm
Stadium: Atlanta Stadium
How to watch
- United States: FOX / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
- Canada: TSN (Stream)
- United Kingdom: BBC / ITV (Stream)
- Australia: SBS (Stream)
What to watch for
If Spain performs at the level that made them European champions two years ago in Germany, it will be extremely difficult for anyone to stop them from lifting the World Cup for the second time in their history this summer. Indeed, de la Fuente's side plays more like a club team than any other outfit in the international game. Their cohesion could be the envy of the rest of the World Cup and Cape Verde could be the first to experience this first-hand.
Player to watch: Lamine Yamal, Spain – Fitness-permitting, Yamal will be Spain's primary difference-maker in the final third. The teenager is an all-round attacking threat on the right wing that makes up for the lack of a truly world-class centre forward.
Belgium vs Egypt
Time (ET): 3pm
Stadium: Seattle Stadium
How to watch
- United States: FOX / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
- Canada: TSN (Stream)
- United Kingdom: BBC / ITV (Stream)
- Australia: SBS (Stream)
What to watch for
Belgium's golden generation is (largely) long gone, but the Red Devils could be dark horses to make a deep run at this World Cup. Rudi Garcia's side qualified unbeaten and finished their tournament prep with a comprehensive 5-0 win over Tunisia that highlighted the threat they still pose. Egypt, meanwhile, have a certain wide forward eager to make a point after leaving Liverpool at the end of last season. This could be Mohamed Salah's last chance to make a meaningful impact on a World Cup for a national team that has underwhelmed at past tournaments. Indeed, Egypt has never won a World Cup match.
Player to watch: Jeremy Doku, Belgium – The Manchester City winger might be the most fearsome dribbler in all of world soccer at the moment and is key to Belgium's hopes of enjoying a positive World Cup this summer.
Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay
Time (ET): 6pm
Stadium: Miami Stadium
How to watch
- United States: FS1 / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
- Canada: TSN (Stream)
- United Kingdom: BBC / ITV (Stream)
- Australia: SBS (Stream)
What to watch for
At its best, 'Bielsa-ball' is exhilarating. Uruguay have the players to perform the high-energy, high-risk game favoured by Marcelo Bielsa and this will be their first chance to prove it at the World Cup. And yet, the legendary Argentine's inherent volatility also makes Uruguay unpredictable. Which team will show up? It's also difficult to know how Saudi Arabia will fare at this tournament considering they changed managers only two months ago. The 2034 hosts struggled through qualifying, only punching their ticket to the World Cup thanks to the expanded format.
Player to watch: Fede Valverde, Uruguay – As one of the most effective midfield dynamos in the world, Valverde will set the tone for Uruguay at this World Cup with his constant running and drive to play forward. He's the perfect Bielsa player.
Iran vs New Zealand
Time (ET): 9pm
Stadium: Los Angeles Stadium
How to watch
- United States: FS1 / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
- Canada: TSN (Stream)
- United Kingdom: BBC / ITV (Stream)
- Australia: SBS (Stream)
What to watch for
Iran may not boast many household names, but this is a team that cruised through qualification, losing just once in the process, and has been competitive at previous World Cups, including in 2022 when they lost only narrowly to the US. Team Melli could surprise some people. New Zealand similarly found qualifying a breeze, although the lack of competition in the OFC won't have prepared the All Whites for the sort of challenge they will face in all three group games. They will set up to stay compact and play direct into the attacking third.
Player to watch: Chris Wood, New Zealand – The Nottingham Forest striker is New Zealand's primary goal threat and the focal point around which they revolve as a team. They need him in top form at this tournament.
