Uruguay Held and Iran Fight Back to Share Spoils

Groups G and H completed their opening rounds of matches overnight on Monday, with results that defied the bookies’ expectations in both games.

In the 11pm kick-off last night, Uruguay were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia in Miami, despite dominating and creating a host of chances. Saudi stopper Mohammed Al Owais put in a man-of-the-match performance, making nine crucial saves.

Al Nassr defender Abdulelah Al Amri put Saudi Arabia ahead - against the run of play - just before half-time, when he pounced on a loose ball after Mohamed Kanno’s header was saved.

Uruguay pushed hard for an equaliser, with several headed opportunities and shots from distance, and they got their reward ten minutes from time, as Maximiliano Araujo tucked home a rebound to restore parity.

Both sides had chances to win it, but the points were ultimately shared, with all four sides in Group H having a point apiece after one game.

And in the small hours overnight, Iran and New Zealand played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Los Angeles.

Elijah Just put the All Whites ahead in just the seventh minute, combining brilliantly with Chris Wood and stunning the pre-match favourites.

But Iran equalised 25 minutes later, as Ramin Rezaeian poked the ball past Max Crocombe following a fortunate deflection.

And it was an eerily similar story in the second half. First, Wood again laid the ball up for Just to smash home early in proceedings to give New Zealand a precious lead.

But, de ja vu struck again ten minutes later, as Mohammad Mohebbi rose highest to brilliantly head home and ensure the points were shared for the fourth consecutive 2026 World Cup match.

Next up for New Zealand is a long trip to Vancouver to face Egypt next Monday, while Iran remain in LA to face Belgium on Sunday evening.