Netherlands thrashes Sweden 5-1 in the 2026 World Cup

The Uruguayan Celeste faces a critical scenario. After drawing 2-2 against Cape Verde in Miami, Marcelo Bielsa’s team is against the wall. To advance to the round of 16, they need a victory against Spain in Guadalajara.

A comeback that was not enough

Uruguay began by losing with a free kick goal from Kevin Pina, the first in Cape Verde’s history in a World Cup. They reacted with goals from Maxi Araújo and Agustín Cannobio, and went into the break ahead on the scoreboard.

But in the second half, a defensive error—bad start by goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and confusion with Sebastián Cáceres—allowed Hélio Varela to equalize in the 61st minute. The result left a bitter taste.

“The second goal is what it is: a bad clearance, you arrive late, you try to drown…”, admitted Muslera, who at 40 years old is playing in his fifth World Cup. The mistake brought back memories of Russia 2018, when he failed against Griezmann.

The frustration was reflected in the players’ statements. Araújo said that his goal “is of no use.” Cannobio asked “to put our chests to the bullets and move forward.” Nicolás de la Cruz was more direct:

“You have to eat shit right now.”

Looking at Spain

Marcelo Bielsa assumed responsibility: “I am responsible.” He explained that Uruguay gave up prominence when it had to maintain pressure. Now, the match against Spain – the most demanding of the group – is a final.

The coach confirmed that Ronald Araújo and Giorgian de Arrascaeta are ruled out due to injury. The question is whether Muslera will continue in goal.

Uruguay needs a victory to avoid repeating the elimination in the group stage that it suffered in Qatar 2022. The match will be played in Guadalajara, with the pressure of an entire country.

Duel confirmed in Group B

Switzerland and Canada will collide on June 24, 2026 at BC Place in Vancouver, according to the official calendar of the 2026 World Cup. The match corresponds to the third day of the group stage and will be played at the BC Place Stadium, one of the venues of the tournament.

The match is framed in Group B. Switzerland will have the status of local administrative team, while Canada will play as a visitor. The designation formalizes the day, venue and rival for both teams in the first round.

Fixture data

• Date: June 24, 2026
• Stadium: BC Place, Vancouver
• Group: B
• Condition: Switzerland (administrative location), Canada (visitor)

With this crossing, the itinerary of both teams is outlined within Group B. For coverage of the tournament, the confirmation allows the development of the phase to be followed with a specific milestone: the duel on the Canadian west coast.

Mbappé reaches 16 goals in World Cups

Kylian Mbappé scored twice and reached 16 goals in World Cups, equaling Miroslav Klose for second place in history. France beat Iraq 3-0 and advanced to the round of 32.

The Real Madrid star scored in the 15th and 54th minutes in his 100th international appearance. Ousmane Dembélé also contributed a goal for Les Bleus.

The thunderstorm forced a pause of more than two hours in Philadelphia. Maintenance staff dried the field while fans took refuge under the balconies. Iraqi coach Graham Arnold wrestled with a poncho before returning to the dugout.

Mbappé, 27, surpassed Brazilian Ronaldo on the all-time list. Lionel Messi leads with 18 goals after scoring twice for Argentina on the same day.

Details of the performance

Mbappé’s first goal came with a left-footed shot from the edge of the area, beating goalkeeper Ahmed Basil. The second, after taking advantage of an Iraqi defensive error: Zaid Tahseen gave up a bad pass, Dembélé recovered and assisted Mbappé to push the ball with his right foot.

The Frenchman came close to a hat-trick in a final breakaway, but failed before being substituted in the 90th minute.

France, co-favorite with Spain, could return to Philadelphia to face Germany on July 4. Iraq is playing its second World Cup after 1986. Striker Aymen Hussein left due to injury in the 26th minute.