Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Two-time champions Uruguay, 2010 champions Spain, African powerhouse Egypt, World Cup debutants Cabo Verde, and Asian sides Iran and Saudi Arabia are all in action on Match Day 5 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday (local time).
In Group H, tournament favorites Spain begin their campaign against debutants Cabo Verde in Atlanta. Spain, who qualified for the World Cup without losing a game, enter the competition with a strong squad featuring talents like Lamine Yamal, Dani Omo, Ferran Torres, and Pedri, among others. However, Cabo Verde, who qualified ahead of traditional African powerhouses such as Cameroon, will be eager to prove they belong on the big stage. The match will kick off at 9:45 pm (Nepal time).
Group G sees Belgium take on Egypt in Seattle. Belgium, led by experienced playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, will aim to assert itself early in the group. Egypt, who boast players like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, will look to challenge one of Europe’s most talented sides. The two sides meet at 12:45 am (Nepal time).
In Group H, Uruguay face Asian side Saudi Arabia in Miami at 3:45 am (Nepali time). Uruguay, a traditional South American powerhouse, will be targeting a strong start to assert its dominance in the group. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, will be equally determined to advance past the group stage for the first time since 1994. While Uruguay look strong on paper, the Gulf side sprung a surprise by defeating Argentina 2-1 in the 2022 World Cup.
In the final match of Match Day 5, Iran meet New Zealand in Group G in Los Angeles. Iran, playing in their fourth consecutive World Cup, will be looking to start the campaign with a victory over New Zealand. On the other hand, New Zealand, who have returned to the World Cup after a gap of 16 years, will be aiming to emerge as surprise contenders in the group.
