Cunha sinks Arsenal and relaunches United

Two ties, two opposite faces

For Uruguay, two draws with the taste of defeat. For Cape Verde, two results that taste like triumph and mark a milestone in its first World Cup.

The team led by Marcelo Bielsa must now beat Spain to avoid a fiasco. Meanwhile, the African team, which had already surprised by drawing without goals against La Roja, did it again: it tied 2-2 against La Celeste in Miami.

Kevin Pina opened the scoring with a free kick that became Cape Verde’s first goal in a World Cup. Helio Varela, who came on in the second half, tied the game with a long shot that surprised goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

The controversy and the statements

Maxi Araújo and Agustín Canobbio put Uruguay ahead with two goals in quick succession at the close of the first half. However, the advantage did not last. “The truth is that the goal is of no use… we should have taken care of the result,” said Araújo.

Bielsa took responsibility: “Organizational errors are always the coach’s responsibility. We pay a very high price for that.”

The match also had a special detail: it was the first World Cup match with two goalkeepers over 40 years old. Muslera, who turned 40 on June 16, and Vozinha, 40, faced off on the grass. Vozinha’s mother, who could not travel to the debut against Spain due to lack of visa, was in the stands this time.

Group H is reconfigured: Spain leads with 4 points, Uruguay and Cape Verde have 2, and Saudi Arabia closes with 1. Uruguay will risk their lives against Spain on Friday, while Cape Verde will face the Saudis with their hopes intact.

Key facts about BMO Field

BMO Field is located in Toronto, Canada, and will be one of the venues for the 2026 World Cup. Its capacity of 30,000 spectators classifies it as a medium-capacity stadium, but its natural grass surface aligns it with the traditional standards of national team soccer.

The venue is owned by the City of Toronto, a relevant fact to understand its governance and decisions on adaptations for the tournament. It was inaugurated on April 28, 2007, with a construction cost of 72 million dollars, which places it as a relatively recent infrastructure in North America.

Its exact location (43°37’58″N 79°25’07″W) is key for the logistics of travel, security and access during the event. Although operational details are not specified, these basic elements define its role in the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi has the chance to make history. The Argentine star will look to become the World Cup’s top scorer when Argentina faces Austria on Monday, one day before his 39th birthday.

Messi scored a hat-trick in his debut against Algeria (3-0), equaling German Miroslav Klose with 16 goals. A victory in Dallas would leave Argentina close to the round of 32 and its captain as the player with the most wins in the competition, a mark he also shares with Klose (17).

Messi’s personal moment is not easy due to the health of his father, Jorge. But the record would be a relief. Argentina, champions in 1978, 1986 and 2022, can secure first place in Group J if Algeria does not beat Jordan. That would avoid an early meeting with Spain, the favorite that beat Saudi Arabia 4-0.

A duel of styles

Austria is coming off a 3-1 victory over Jordan, its first World Cup victory since 1990. It seeks to advance from the group stage for the first time since 1982. Coach Ralf Rangnick proposes a physical and high-intensity game.

“It is a very physical team, with good players. With our weapons we will try to play our football,” analyzed Alexis Mac Allister in an interview with FIFA.

The midfielder also highlighted Messi: “I really enjoy Leo. There won’t be another like him. The things he does are not normal.”

On the Austrian side, captain David Alaba noted: “Argentina has a first-class squad. It is no coincidence that they are champions. We have respect for them, but not fear,” added Paul Wanner.

Argentina will not be able to count on Gonzalo Montiel due to a muscle discomfort. Nahuel Molina will be his replacement, probably the only variant compared to the debut.

Mbappé also lurks

In Group I, Kylian Mbappé scored two goals in France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal and adds 14 in three World Cups, two behind Messi. The Real Madrid forward seeks to take France to the round of 16 against Iraq. Norway, with a double from Erling Haaland, leads the group.

Whoever loses between Jordan and Algeria will say goodbye to the tournament. France and Iraq are also risking their future.