SportFootballWorld Cup 2026LIVEUpdated just nowBelgium take on Egypt in Group G at the World Cup after Spain failed to beat Cape Verde in a shock result in Group HEmam Ashour gave Egypt the lead against Belgium at the World Cup(Image: Sarah Stier - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)Welcome to Mirror Sport's coverage of the 2026 World Cup on Monday, June 15.Cape Verde have shocked Spain by holding them to a 0-0 draw in their opening game of the tournament. Lamine Yamal came off the European champions' bench but could not find a breakthrough.Egypt lead Belgium in the day's second match. Emam Ashour opened the scoring with a thunderous strike past Thibaut Courtois as they look for their first ever World Cup win.Iran's national team has also arrived in the US for their first match of the tournament amid visa denials for team members and strict travel curfews. Iran will kick off their campaign against New Zealand at 2am UK time (6pm local time) in Los Angeles.Donald Trump and Iran signed a peace deal on Sunday to end the conflict.In the other game today, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay will kick off their campaigns at 11pm UK time.View PostView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostToday21:30 BSTSuper sub Romelu Lukau equalises for BelgiumThere wasn't even time to tell you Romelu Lukaku had come on as a substitute before the striker was picking the ball out of the net. It looks like an own goal on second viewing, but take nothing away from the centre-forward, who forced the mistake.Today21:26 BSTKevin De Bruyne goes close againRight on cue, Belgium are building into this match, with Kevin De Bruyne scuffing their best chance from open play straight at Egypt goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir.Today21:21 BSTEgypt force Thibaut Courtois into another saveThibaut Courtois has just about managed to keep Belgium in this game after saving a header from goalscorer Emam Ashour, Kevin De Bruyne had clipped the post with a free-kick minutes earlier, but it is Egypt who remain on top.Today21:15 BSTBelgium holding on here as another Egypt opening comes and goesEgypt have come out of the blocks flying in this second half and could well have doubled their advantage if either of Mostafa Zico or Omar Marmoush did not fluff their lines inside the penalty area.Today21:00 BSTCape Verde star using VR to train during World CupEgypt holding on would not even come close to the surprise that Cape Verde caused by keeping Spain out earlier. Roberto Lopes was one of their standout players, and the Irish-born defender is using a Meta Quest headset to train his awareness, decision-making and scanning during the tournament.Football technology company Be Your Best are helping Lopes by using cognitive science and virtual reality to elevate his cognitive abilities and game IQ. Romeo Lavia is among their investors, with the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni, Dejan Kulusevski, Endrick and Marc Guehi previously using the technology.Pico Lopes challenges Pedri during the World Cup game between Cape Verde and Spain(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Today20:52 BSTEgypt lead at the break after Emam Ashour stunnerEmam Ashour ensures that Egypt have ticked off one World Cup milestone: they lead a match at the tournament going into the break for the first time. Can they hold on?Today20:35 BSTNo signs of a breakthrough for Belgium after the breakEgypt are dominating possession despite taking the lead just before the hydration break and have continued where they left off as this first half continues.Today20:21 BSTWhat a goal that is for Egypt!Egypt lead Belgium after a thunderous strike from Emam Ashour that left Thibaut Courtois with no chance. That was their first shot of the match, and what a strike it was!SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 15: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera positioned above the field of play.) Thibaut Courtois #1 of Belgium concedes a first goal to Emam Ashour #8 (not pictured) of Egypt during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between Belgium and Egypt at Seattle Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Sarah Stier - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)Today20:12 BSTGianni Infantino is watching this one...FIFA president Gianni Infantino is in the stands at Lumen Field in Seattle for this one. Attacks for both sides during the opening stages.Today19:55 BSTIran ban upheld by LA court hours before first World Cup matchIran fans will be banned from displaying pre-revolutionary flags during the World Cup, according to The Athletic.An expedited hearing this morning came days after the lawsuit was filed last week in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Judge Curtis A. Kin ruled that the ban should stand.FIFA's ban on Iran's 'pre-revolutionary' flag has been upheld(Image: Henry NICHOLLS / AFP via Getty Images)Today19:40 BSTBelgium vs Egypt odds as Group G gets underwayBelgium - 11/10Draw - 3/1Egypt 19/4Visit Betway for the latest World Cup oddsToday19:30 BSTBelgium vs Egypt team news as Mohamed Salah startsBelgium face Egypt next up in one of the more well-balanced group stage games on paper, for what that matters after Cape Verde ripped up the World Cup script...Today19:15 BSTSpain 0-0 Cape Verde was 25/1 when market openedBetway opened their market for Spain vs Cape Verde with the 0-0 draw priced at 25/1. That was shortened to 14/1 before kick-off, but still emphasises what a shock this is.ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 15: Vozinha #1 of Cabo Verde makes a save during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Cabo Verde at Atlanta Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)Today19:07 BSTLee Dixon pays emotional tribute to Cape VerdeLee Dixon was almost in tears on ITV after co-commentating on Cape Verde drawing with Spain.I have to say, you might hear it in my voice, I am a bit emotional. It's absolutely fantastic, a brilliant, brilliant performance. They deserve that point more than anything and Spain almost don't deserve a point. They will walk off disappointed but this night is Cape Verde's. What a performance, every single one of them. The centre-halves, the full-backs. That man there (Vozinha), crying, I am nearly crying myself.Spain's midfielder #16 Rodri (L) reacts after next to Cape Verde's goalkeeper #01 Vozinha (C) after missing a goal opportunity during the 2026 World Cup Group H football match between Spain and Cape Verde at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on June 15, 2026. (Photo by Roberto SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images)Today19:00 BSTCape Verde have done it!The first 0-0 draw of this World Cup is up there with one of the most surprising in tournament history as Cape Verde hold on against Spain.Today18:51 BSTPico Lopes is the latest Cape Verde player heroically blocking Spain Cape Verde are now putting their bodies on the line to deny Spain. Pico Lopes is the latest to do so, throwing himself in front of a Mikel Oyarzabal volley and deflecting it behind.Today18:41 BSTSpain are stepping it up - but still no breakthroughLamine Yamal has undoubtedly made a difference off the bench, but Spain are still yet to create a clear cut chance to open the scoring.Today18:31 BSTLamine Yamal is coming on for the 'fourth quarter'The answer is around 20 minutes as Lamine Yamal is coming on for Spain after this second-half hydration break. Gavi makes way for his Barcelona team-mate, with Mikel Merino also replacing Fabian Ruiz as part of a double change.Today18:21 BSTIt's still 0-0 here in Atlanta as Cape Verde continue to hold onHow many minutes do Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have in their legs?Today17:57 BSTMikel Oyarzabal goes missing in first 30 minutesMikel Oyarzabal somehow managed not to touch the ball inside the opening 30 minutes of that half, which is a first for any player at any World Cup since 1966, since Opta's records began.ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 15: Mikel Oyarzabal #21 of Spain looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Cabo Verde at Atlanta Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)Today17:52 BSTVozinha star of the first half show as Spain kept outCape Verde have still yet to concede at the World Cup, something I wasn't expecting to be typing at half-time. They have their 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha to thank for that, after making multiple smart saves, but Ferran Torres, in particular, has been profligate in front of goal for Spain.ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 15: Vozinha #1 of Cabo Verde reacts before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Cabo Verde at Atlanta Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)Today17:44 BSTSpain force Cape Verde goalkeeper into smart save after Ferran Torres hits the crossbarThe favourites are finally turning their possession into chances, with Ferran Torres having two efforts at goal, albeit the first came after being flagged offside. He fired a Marc Cucurella knockback at the crossbar before Vozinha saved from Mikel Oyarzabal on the rebound. Cape Verde are also starting to come out of their shell at the other end.Today17:35 BSTSidny Cabral saves Cape VerdeSidny Cabral has bailed out his Cape Verde team-mates after Spain capitalised on some sloppy play in defence that led to Ferran Torres playing Mikel Oyarzabal through. The defender slid in the stop them in their tracks.Today17:27 BST0-0 after 'first quarter' as Cape Verde hold out longer than CuracaoCape Verde have kept Spain out long enough to enter the first hydration break without conceding. Yesterday, their fellow World Cup debutants let one in against Germany inside six minutes, albeit they did manage to equalise just as the 'first quarter' ended.ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 15: Fans of Cabo Verde display their national flag and a replica FIFA World Cup trophy in the stands prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Cabo Verde at Atlanta Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Juan Luis Diaz/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)Today17:17 BSTSpain on top - but Cape Verde offering a threatThe tournament favourites, Spain, are understandably edging these early exchanges, testing Cape Verde with a couple of crosses from wide. The debutants are showing signs that they could cause problems on the counter, though.Today17:07 BSTVAR already involved to overrule Spain cornerSpain thought they had the first corner of this match, only for VAR to overrule the referee's decision, made by our man in the middle, Jordan's Adham Makhadmeh.Today17:02 BSTCape Verde belatedly get us underway against Spain in AtlantaThe anthems are out of the way and Cape Verde have now kicked off their World Cup debut against tournament favourites Spain.Spain's forward #19 Lamine Yamal (L) listens to the national anthem ahead of the 2026 World Cup Group H football match between Spain and Cape Verde at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on June 15, 2026. (Photo by Roberto SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images)Today16:50 BSTCape Verde star stuns ITV pundits with call-up storyThe story of Cape Verde approaching Pico Lopes through LinkedIn to play for their national team left Emma Hayes hailing how incredible a tale it is on ITV.What a beautiful story. He's gone from setting up a LinkedIn account for future work opportunities without knowing that one day he would play in a World Cup. It's an incredible story...Pico Lopes poses during the official FIFA World Cup 2026 portrait session(Image: Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)Today16:20 BSTSpain vs Cape Verde match odds as debutants not quite as short as CuracaoSpain – 1/14Draw – 12/1Cape Verde – 28/1Betway spokesperson Lewis Knowles:Spain have been very popular in our outright betting for some time, so supporters will no doubt be looking for a comfortable success over Cape Verde in their opening game. At 1/14, they aren't quite as short as Germany were against Curacao yesterday, but scorelines of 3-0 and 4-0 have been well backed in the buildup to this game, so punters are clearly expecting a tough evening for Cape Verde on their World Cup debut.Visit Betway for the latest World Cup oddsATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 15: Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain and teammates inspect the pitch before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Cabo Verde at Atlanta Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)Today16:10 BSTCape Verde's team to face Spain in World Cup debutWorld Cup debutants Cape Verde have named their starting XI to face Spain.‌