World Cup 2026 Day 5 key moments: Four draws, major shocks and late drama

Day 5 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered one of the most dramatic days of the tournament so far, with all four matches ending in draws. From Cape Verde frustrating European champions Spain to Iran and New Zealand producing a thrilling four-goal contest, fans witnessed a day packed with surprises, heroic performances and late drama.

• Four straight draws create World Cup history

The fifth day of the tournament ended with four consecutive draws, marking the first time since 1958 that a single World Cup matchday produced four straight stalemates. Underdogs impressed, favourites struggled and several players delivered memorable moments that could define their campaigns.

• Cape Verde frustrate Spain in dream World Cup debut

European champions held by tournament newcomers

World Cup debutants Cape Verde produced one of the biggest surprises of the competition by holding Spain to a goalless draw.

Spain dominated possession and fired 27 shots over the course of the match but failed to find a breakthrough against a disciplined and determined Cape Verde defence.

Lamine Yamal changes the tempo

Substitute Lamine Yamal entered in the 71st minute and immediately sparked Spain's attack. Despite playing less than 20 minutes, he completed five successful dribbles, more than any other player in the match.

Oyarzabal's unwanted record

Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal became the first recorded player since 1966 to spend the opening 30 minutes of a World Cup match without registering a single touch of the ball.

• Lukaku's instant impact rescues Belgium against Egypt

Ashour gives Egypt hope of a historic victory

Egypt stunned Belgium in the 20th minute when Emam Ashour fired a powerful strike beyond Thibaut Courtois to put the Pharaohs ahead.

The goal raised hopes of Egypt securing their first-ever World Cup victory.

Lukaku changes the game in 30 seconds

Belgium turned to Romelu Lukaku in the second half, and his impact was immediate.

Just 30 seconds after entering the pitch, his attacking run forced Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany into a rushed clearance that ended up in his own net, levelling the score at 1-1.

Shoubir preserves the draw

Goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir produced a spectacular save in the 83rd minute, stretching full length to deny Brandon Mechele's powerful header and secure a valuable point for Egypt.

• Saudi Arabia impress before Uruguay fight back

Green Falcons strike before half-time

Saudi Arabia absorbed pressure from Uruguay before taking the lead in the 41st minute.

After Hassan Al Tambakti's header was parried by Fernando Muslera, defender Abdulelah Al Amri reacted quickest to score from the rebound and send Saudi supporters into celebration.

Uruguay hit the woodwork

Uruguay pushed relentlessly for an equaliser during the second half. Midfielder Manuel Ugarte came closest when his powerful long-range effort crashed against the frame of the goal.

Araújo delivers late equaliser

The South Americans finally found their reward in the 80th minute when Maxi Araújo capitalised on a loose ball inside the penalty area to make it 1-1 and rescue a point.

• Iran and New Zealand produce match of the day

New Zealand stun Iran early

New Zealand made a fearless start against Iran in Los Angeles.

Just seven minutes into the contest, Elijah Just weaved through the Iranian defence and finished confidently to hand the All Whites a shock lead.

Iran respond through Rezaeian

Iran found their equaliser in the 32nd minute when Ramin Rezaeian lifted a delicate chip over the advancing goalkeeper to make it 1-1.

Elijah Just scores again

The New Zealand forward continued his outstanding performance early in the second half, finishing a move created by captain Chris Wood to restore his team's advantage.

Mohebi secures thrilling draw

Iran responded once more through Mohammad Mohebi, who powered home a header from another excellent Rezaeian delivery to complete an entertaining 2-2 draw.