World Cup 2026: Cape Verde continue remarkable story; Messi, Mbappé and Haaland return – live

Cape Verde’s World Cup fairytale rolled on as the tournament entered its second week, while the return of Messi, Mbappé and Haaland added another layer of star power to a competition already brimming with surprises. Day 11 delivered drama, tactical intrigue and a reminder that in football, the unexpected often trumps the expected.

Cape Verde’s dream inches closer

The tiny island nation has defied every pre-tournament assumption. A draw against Saudi Arabia in their final group match may be enough to secure their place in the last 32; a victory would all but guarantee it. Their progress has been built on resilience and collective belief, qualities that have turned them into one of the most compelling stories of the tournament so far. With each match, Cape Verde have shown that football’s magic isn’t confined to the usual giants.

Egypt seize control in Group G

Egypt took charge of Group G with a come-from-behind win over New Zealand, moving themselves closer to the knockout stages. The result leaves the group finely poised, with Belgium—once tournament favourites—now caught between fading experience and unproven youth. Their attack has yet to ignite, raising questions about their ability to deliver when it matters most. Meanwhile, Spain’s midfield trio of Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo remains a formidable obstacle, though their defence is far from impregnable.

France’s firepower meets Spain’s control

France’s attacking battery remains one of the most fearsome sights in football, with multiple routes to victory at their disposal. Yet Spain, despite their slightly more penetrable defence, continue to frustrate opponents with their possession and spatial mastery. The contrast between the two sides highlights a recurring theme of this World Cup: brute force versus methodical precision. Spain’s ability to suffocate opponents while retaining the initiative makes them a persistent threat, even without the same headline-grabbing individual talent.

Alireza Beiranvand, Iran’s goalkeeper, provided one of the tournament’s most unlikely subplots. Once forced to flee his family home to pursue football—his father reportedly disapproved—he now stands as his country’s player of the match. His journey, from sleeping rough to World Cup heroics, is a reminder that football’s pathways are as varied as its outcomes.

Tactical shifts and unanswered questions

Belgium’s decline in form has been stark. Once the golden generation, they now appear caught between nostalgia and uncertainty. Their attack lacks cohesion, and while they may scrape through with a single goal, the bigger questions linger: can they rediscover the ruthlessness that once defined them? Spain, meanwhile, have adapted without their legendary midfield spine. Rodri, Pedri and Olmo may not replicate the dominance of Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets, but they offer a different kind of control—one built on movement, pressing and clinical finishing.

France’s depth remains their greatest weapon. With multiple attackers capable of decisive moments, they can overwhelm opponents in different ways. Yet Spain’s ability to absorb pressure and strike with precision suggests that tactical nous still trumps sheer firepower in the tournament’s most testing moments.

As the group stages near their conclusion, the race for top spots and best runners-up is tightening. Cape Verde’s improbable run, Egypt’s resurgence and the tactical battles between Europe’s heavyweights have made this World Cup unpredictable in the best possible way. The knockout stages promise more of the same—drama, surprises and moments that will define careers.

The stage is set for the next act. Whether it’s the underdogs continuing their march or the giants rediscovering their form, one thing is certain: this tournament refuses to follow the script.