Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: New Zealand and Iran played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in their Group F encounter on Match Day 5 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Los Angeles on Tuesday morning. The result meant all four matches of Match Day 5 ended in a draw.
In the Group G fixture, Elijah Just put New Zealand ahead in the 7th minute after combining with Chris Wood before finishing a well-worked move. Iran responded through Ramin Rezaeian in the 33rd minute after sustained pressure.
Just restored New Zealand’s lead in the 54th minute with another fine team move involving Wood, but Iran levelled again ten minutes later when Mohammed Mohebi converted Rezaeian’s excellent cross.
In Group H, Saudi Arabia held Uruguay to a 1-1 draw. Abdulelah Al Amri gave Saudi Arabia the lead in the 41st minute in Miami when he scored from a rebound. Uruguay equalized in the 80th minute through Maxi Araujo.
Uruguay dominated the second half and created several chances, but Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais made crucial saves to secure a point.
In another Group G fixture in Seattle, Egypt and Belgium played out a 1-1 draw. Emam Ashour put Egypt ahead in the 19th minute with a powerful strike after receiving a pass from Mohamed Salah. Belgium struggled to break down Egypt’s defence until Mohamed Hany accidentally turned Thomas Meunier’s cross into his own net.
Meanwhile, debutants Cape Verde produced one of the biggest surprises of the tournament by holding European champions and tournament favorites Spain to a goalless draw. Although Spain dominated possession, Cape Verde’s disciplined defensive display frustrated the 20210 winner who failed to find a breakthrough.
Spain controlled 74% of possession and registered 27 shots, but Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha and his defence kept the Spanish attack at bay.
