The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup is continuing to deliver its fair share of surprises, and nowhere has that been more evident than in Groups G and H. With two matchdays completed, neither group is fully settled, and the final round of fixtures promises tension, drama and high stakes.
While traditional football powers remain in strong positions, several underdogs have refused to follow the script. From Egypt’s resurgence to Cabo Verde’s fearless performances and Saudi Arabia’s stubborn resistance against Uruguay, these two groups have become some of the most intriguing stories of the tournament.
Group G: Egypt seize control as Belgium falters
Current Standings
| Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| Egypt | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 4 |
| Iran | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Belgium | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| New Zealand | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 1 |
Egypt has been the standout team
Few expected Egypt to lead Group G after two rounds, but the Pharaohs have fully justified their position.
Their campaign began with a highly impressive 1-1 draw against Belgium. Egypt were brave, organized and dangerous throughout. Mohamed Salah orchestrated much of the attacking play and provided the assist for Emam Ashour’s superb opening goal. Egypt repeatedly troubled the Belgian defence, forcing several key saves from Thibaut Courtois and creating numerous chances throughout the match.
That result immediately changed the complexion of the group. Rather than merely hoping to qualify, Egypt suddenly looked capable of winning the section.
They then followed it up with a convincing 3-1 victory over New Zealand, the team’s first win at the global stage and a result that pushed them to the summit and gave them a valuable goal difference advantage heading into the final round.
Belgium’s problems continue
Belgium arrived as the highest-ranked team in the group, and many expected them to progress comfortably.
Instead, they have become one of the tournament’s early disappointments.
After being held by Egypt, Belgium were frustrated again in a tense goalless draw against Iran. The Red Devils have dominated possession for long stretches but have struggled to convert control into goals.
Kevin De Bruyne has produced moments of brilliance, including striking the post against Egypt, while players such as Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard have shown flashes of danger. Yet Belgium’s attacking fluency has not matched expectations.
With just two points from two games, Belgium now face a must-win encounter against New Zealand.
Iran refuses to go away
Iran may not be leading the group, but they remain unbeaten and very much alive.
Their most memorable match so far was the thrilling 2-2 draw with New Zealand. After falling behind early, Iran fought back through Ramin Rezaeian before seeing New Zealand regain the lead. Just when defeat seemed possible, Mohammad Mohebi rose to score a dramatic equalizer in the 64th minute and rescue a point.
Iran’s resilience has been remarkable. They have drawn both matches and remain unbeaten, keeping qualification firmly within reach.
New Zealand have earned respect
Despite sitting at the bottom, New Zealand have been far from pushovers.
They shocked Iran with an early goal through Elijah Just and later led 2-1 before being pegged back. Chris Wood has been influential, while Sarpreet Singh and Marko Stamenic have brought creativity and energy.
Although the defeat to Egypt has left them with only one point, they remain mathematically alive heading into the final game.
What happens on the Final Matchday?
Egypt vs Iran
Egypt know that victory guarantees qualification and likely top spot. Even a draw could be enough depending on the Belgium-New Zealand result.
Iran is unbeaten and knows that a win would almost certainly send them through.
Belgium vs New Zealand
For Belgium, the equation is simple: win and hope other results go their way.
New Zealand must also chase victory. Anything less is likely to end their World Cup journey.
Group H: Spain leads, but Cape Verde continues to dream
Current Standings
| Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| Spain | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | 4 |
| Uruguay | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Cabo Verde | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Saudi Arabia | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 1 |
Spain are efficient rather than spectacular
Spain sits at the top of the group and remains the only side yet to concede.
Their victory over Saudi Arabia showed their trademark possession game and technical superiority. The win came after a draw against Cape Verde, leaving them in pole position heading into the final round. Pedri, Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal and company controlled large portions of the match, though Cape Verde’s disciplined defending made life difficult.
What has stood out most about Spain is its defensive solidity. Four goals scored, none conceded, and four points collected is a strong platform from which to attack the knockout rounds.
Cape Verde continues to inspire
One of the most heartwarming stories in these groups has been Cape Verde.
The island nation entered the tournament as outsiders but has refused to be intimidated.
After a competitive showing against Spain, they produced another impressive display in a 2-2 draw with Uruguay. That result means Cape Verde remains unbeaten and fully capable of reaching the Round of 32.
Their organization, work rate and belief have made them one of the tournament’s surprise packages.
Uruguay Still Searching for a Statement Performance
Uruguay have drawn both matches and remains difficult to beat.
Their opening encounter against Saudi Arabia produced plenty of drama. Saudi Arabia led for much of the contest before Maximiliano Araujo finally equalized in the 80th minute to rescue Uruguay. Goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais then produced several outstanding late saves to deny Federico Valverde and Nicolas de la Cruz as Saudi Arabia held on for a famous point.
Uruguay’s quality is obvious, but they have yet to fully impose themselves on this group.
Saudi Arabia still have hope
Saudi Arabia may be bottom, but they have been far more competitive than the table suggests. The loss against Spain put a dent in their hopes of progressing, but you cannot deny that their draw against Uruguay demonstrated immense determination and defensive discipline. The Saudis absorbed pressure, defended bravely and were rewarded with a valuable point.
The heavy goal difference deficit hurts their chances, but qualification remains mathematically possible.
The final day scenarios
Spain vs Uruguay
This is effectively a battle for control of the group.
Spain can secure first place with a victory.
Uruguay know that three points would almost certainly send them through and could even see them top the section.
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
For Cape Verde, this is a historic opportunity. A win could send them into the knockout stage and complete one of the great underdog stories of the tournament.
Saudi Arabia needs victory and favourable results elsewhere to keep their World Cup dream alive.
What makes both groups so compelling is that every team still has something to play for. No side has qualified yet. No side has been eliminated yet.
The final group matches will therefore be played with everything on the line: qualification, elimination, and, in some cases, the chance to write a little World Cup history.