World Cup 2026 Monday takeaways: Cape Verde stunner, sensational goalkeeping highlight draw-filled day

Cape Verde, the third-smallest nation by population to ever qualify for the World Cup, authored the most stunning result of the group stage so far, playing Spain, No. 2 in FIFA's world rankings entering the match, to a 0-0 draw in its first World Cup appearance.

The Blue Sharks, No. 67, were the fifth-lowest-ranked qualifier, and stats from the pitch largely illustrated the vast gap between the two programs. 

Spain, the pre-tournament favorite to win its second World Cup and first since 2010, dominated, winning the possession battle 74%-26% and expected goals 2.1-0.2, per Fotmob. It outshot Cape Verde, 27-6, including 7-1 shots on target, while completing 734 accurate passes at a 92 percent rate compared to its counterpart's 74 percent accurate pass rate on 278 passes. 

None of that shows in the standings; all four Group H squads tied with one point. With two games remaining, the cream still has time to rise to the top, but for at least one day, arguably the biggest giant in this year's tournament and one of the smallest were equals.

One quote from an ESPN article about the tiny island nation before the match rings more true now than when first shared.

"They'll pull up their phones," a supporter said, "and see, 'Cabo Verde,' and they'll be amazed by what they see." 

An excellent day for goalkeeping

Goalkeepers stole the show on Monday. Cape Verde goalie Vozinha, 40, had one of the most impressive individual performances of the tournament so far, finishing the 0-0 tie with seven saves, the second-most by a goalkeeper 40 or older at the World Cup since 1966.

Not to be outdone, Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammad Al-Owais had a tournament-high nine saves in a 1-1 draw with Uruguay. He came away with multiple incredible stops along the way, including a pair of diving saves off headers in the first half.

In the 60th minute, he extended for another beautiful save, preventing midfielder Manuel Ugarte's right-footer from finding the net.

Even his conceded goal came off a deflection after a deluge of attacks from Le Celeste, with Fotmob data showing Uruguay out-shot the Saudis 22-2 after halftime, including 8-0 shots on goal.

Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia are looking to surprise the world by going on extended World Cup runs, and both goalkeepers must remain at the top of their game for their squads to do the unthinkable.

Mikel Oyarzabal's no-show

With star Lamine Yamal (hamstring) serving as a replacement, Spain needed someone to step up, and Oyarzabal, one of Europe's top international performers over the past three seasons, seemed like a logical option.

Instead, he made unwanted history in the 0-0 draw to Cape Verde, failing to record a single touch during the match's first 30 minutes.

That shouldn't happen on the World Cup stage. Oyarzabal is too important to Spain for him to be such a non-factor. If La Roja is going to get back on track, it needs Oyarzabal to be more engaged.

Romelu Lukaku makes immediate impact

Belgium was in danger of dropping its World Cup opener against Egypt when Lukaku, the 2020-21 Serie A Footballer of the Year, made a game-changing play 22 seconds after entering the match, causing an own goal with an aggressive move inside Egypt's box.

While not credited with the score, Belgium's all-time goals leader wasted no time making an imprint on the 2026 World Cup. He'll likely leave many more.

New Zealand comes up short of World Cup breakthrough

Despite taking the lead twice, the worst team in the field couldn't hang on for a key three points in Group G during a 2-2 draw with Iran.

Elijah Just completed a brace, scoring his first goal to give New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute, then again in the 54th for a 2-1 advantage.

Despite squandering two leads, New Zealand can't feel too dispirited by the result. It played better than most expected heading into the tournament, going toe-to-toe with FIFA's No. 20-ranked squad.