The Champions League demands comebacks from the greats

Egyptian comeback in Group G

Egypt achieved a key victory against New Zealand, overcoming an adverse score to become the leader of Group G and secure its place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

The match started uphill for the Africans. In the 15th minute, Finn Surman put New Zealand ahead with a goal that put the Oceanians in front. However, Egypt remained calm and found an equalizer in the second half.

Mustafa Ziko equalized with a powerful header in the 58th, and shortly after, Mohamed Salah, with his offensive ability, put his team ahead. The Egyptian showed why he is one of the figures of the tournament.

Trézéguet sealed the victory in the 82nd minute, eliminating any possibility of a New Zealand reaction. The victory not only classifies Egypt, but also outlines it as a serious contender in the World Cup.

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.