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World Cup 2026 Kicks Off: Predictions and Previews for Monday’s Fixtures

Get ready for the 2026 World Cup with our in-depth look at Monday's key matches, including Spain vs. Cape Verde and Belgium vs. Egypt.

News Published 16 June 2026 2 min read FootballGames10 Desk

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The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to ignite on Monday with a series of compelling fixtures, offering early insights into the tournament’s contenders. Football fans can look forward to crucial opening matches, including a seemingly straightforward Group H encounter between tournament favorites Spain and debutants Cape Verde, and a high-stakes Group G clash between Belgium and Egypt.

Spain, aiming for a flawless start to their campaign, will face Cape Verde in Atlanta. The Spanish national team, considered among the favorites to lift the trophy, are drawn in Group H alongside Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. While Cape Verde’s qualification is a significant achievement deserving of respect, they face an uphill battle against a Spanish side expected to dominate.

Por que importa

Meanwhile, Group G opens with a potentially decisive match between Belgium and Egypt. FIFA’s ninth-ranked team, Belgium, boasts a roster filled with talent, while Egypt makes their fourth appearance in the World Cup finals, ranked 29th. The fitness of Egypt’s star player, Mohamed Salah, could be a critical factor in this intriguing fixture.

Key facts

Match	Group	Date & Time (Local)	Venue
Spain vs. Cape Verde	H	Monday	Atlanta
Belgium vs. Egypt	G	Monday	Seattle Stadium
Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay	H	Monday	Hard Rock Stadium
Iran vs. New Zealand	G	Monday	SoFi Stadium

The opening round of Group H also features Saudi Arabia against Uruguay at the Hard Rock Stadium. Both nations will be eager to begin their World Cup journey with a victory, setting the stage for a competitive battle to advance to the knockout stages. While a draw was considered, Uruguay’s midfield and attacking prowess give them a slight edge.

Contexto

In the other Group G fixture, Iran will take on New Zealand at SoFi Stadium. This match marks the return of the Oceania outfit to the World Cup finals after a 16-year absence. Despite the excitement surrounding New Zealand’s comeback, their recent form suggests Iran, despite facing logistical challenges, is favored to secure the win and overcome pre-tournament issues.

These early matches provide valuable context for fans and bettors alike, offering a glimpse into team dynamics, player form, and potential tournament narratives.

Source: https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/spain/world-cup-2026/feature/can-cape-verde-stun-spain-mondays-world-cup-predictions-and-previews_599167.html