Spain Seek First Win Against Saudi Arabia
Spain will look to kickstart their World Cup campaign when they face Saudi Arabia on Sunday, June 21, after a disappointing goalless draw against Cape Verde in their opening match. The European champions were pre-tournament favourites but lacked cutting edge in the final third, missing the direct threat of Lamine Yamal down the right side. Spain's chances hinge on the availability of the Barcelona winger, who was only fit enough to play the final half-hour against Cape Verde.
Saudi Arabia, managed by Georgis Donis, are expected to set up defensively, getting bodies behind the ball and asking Spain to break them down. Cape Verde established a template for opponents facing Luis de la Fuente's side, and Saudi Arabia could frustrate Spain similarly. The match kicks off at 12pm ET at Atlanta Stadium, broadcast on FOX and Telemundo in the US, ITV1 in the UK, and SBS in Australia.
Belgium Under Pressure Against Iran
Belgium, another European giant, need points to secure their place in the last 32 after a 1-1 draw against Egypt. Rudi Garcia's side controlled most of the opening game but struggled to convert dominance into clear scoring opportunities. Iran, who fought back twice to salvage a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, demonstrated resilience. Team Melli's request to travel to Los Angeles two days early for this match was denied amid continued tension with the Trump administration.
The match is at 3pm ET at Los Angeles Stadium, with Jeremy Doku as the player to watch for Belgium. The Manchester City winger is arguably the greatest one-v-one threat in the world when isolated against a defender. The game airs on FS1 and Telemundo in the US, TSN in Canada, ITV1 in the UK, and SBS in Australia.
Uruguay Aim to Improve Against Cape Verde
Uruguay did not play like a Marcelo Bielsa team in their opening fixture, being one-dimensional in attack by overloading the Saudi Arabian penalty area with crosses. Better is expected against Cape Verde, who held Spain to a goalless draw in the biggest shock of the tournament so far. The Blue Sharks showed defensive resolution but may need to pose an attacking threat against a weaker opponent. Fede Valverde, a non-factor in the opening draw, needs to offer forward thrust through midfield.
Kick-off is at 6pm ET at Miami Stadium, broadcast on FS1 and Telemundo in the US, BBC One in the UK, and SBS in Australia.
New Zealand and Egypt Seek First Wins
New Zealand surprised many by operating on the front foot in their entertaining 2-2 draw against Iran. The All Whites have a direct approach and send players forward to support the attack whenever possible. Chris Wood, the Nottingham Forest striker, is a key player with his hold-up play and link-up ability. Egypt are still searching for their first-ever World Cup victory but showed encouragement in their 1-1 draw against Belgium, with Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah posing a counter-attacking threat.
The match is at 9pm ET at BC Place Vancouver, airing on FS1 and Telemundo in the US, TSN in Canada, ITV1 in the UK, and SBS in Australia.
