The biggest upset of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage so far is debutants Cape Verde holding European champions Spain to a 0–0 draw — and they are not the only minnows to have bloodied a giant’s nose.
With the tournament expanded to 48 teams across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the group stage has delivered shock results, gritty draws from Arab and African sides, and a few ruthless goal blitzes. Here are the upsets and talking points keeping fans glued to the live group standings, accurate as of June 23, 2026.
The Biggest Shock So Far: Cape Verde Hold Spain
On June 15 in Atlanta, Cape Verde — a nation of just over 500,000, ranked 67th and playing at their first-ever World Cup — held Spain, the reigning European champions, to a goalless draw.
Spain fired in 27 shots without reward, with goalkeeper Vozinha the man of the match. As Al Jazeera reported, the result stunned the Spanish camp — and Cape Verde backed it up by holding Uruguay 2–2 days later. It already ranks among the biggest World Cup upsets and shocks in history.
They are one of several tournament debutants making the most of the expanded field. Tempted to catch a match? Compare flights to Atlanta and the other host cities.
| Match | Result | The talking point |
|---|---|---|
| Spain vs Cape Verde | 0–0 | Debutants ranked 67th hold the European champions; keeper Vozinha the hero |
| Brazil vs Morocco | 1–1 | The 2022 semifinalists take a point off five-time world champions |
| Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay | 1–1 | The Green Falcons frustrate a Copa América heavyweight |
| Belgium vs Egypt | 1–1 | The Pharaohs hold a top-tier European side |
| Iran vs New Zealand | 2–2 | Late drama as New Zealand snatch a point |
Arab and African Teams Punch Above Their Weight
The Arab and African fans had plenty to cheer. As the table shows, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Egypt all opened with battling draws against Brazil, Uruguay and Belgium.
Egypt then went one better, beating New Zealand 3–1 on June 21 for the region’s standout result — and the country’s first-ever World Cup win.
It was not all good news. Iran were pegged back to a 2–2 draw by New Zealand, and Spain bounced back to beat Saudi Arabia 4–0.
There were heavy defeats elsewhere, too: Iraq lost 4–1 to Erling Haaland’s Norway, Tunisia 5–1 to Sweden, Qatar 6–0 to Canada, Jordan 3–1 to Austria, and Algeria 3–0 to Argentina. With the group stage closing, the region’s Arab nations are chasing the points they need for a knockout place.
Goals, Hat-Tricks and Statement Wins
If the upsets grabbed the headlines, the goals were not far behind. Germany hammered Curaçao — the smallest nation ever to reach a World Cup — 7–1, while Sweden’s 5–1 win over Tunisia and Norway’s 4–1 victory over Iraq showed the firepower lower down the seedings.
Lionel Messi rolled back the years with a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3–0 win over Algeria, while Canada’s Jonathan David scored a treble in a 6–0 thrashing of Qatar to join him atop the Golden Boot race.
Mexico, meanwhile, sealed top spot in their group and an early Round of 32 berth. Follow every fixture in our World Cup 2026 schedule, cross-checked against FIFA’s official match center.
Why the Upsets Keep Coming
The expanded 48-team format is built for drama. With 12 groups of four — and the top two from each plus the eight best third-placed teams advancing — 32 of the 48 nations reach the knockout stage, so a single point can keep an underdog alive.
That math rewards exactly the disciplined, low-block draws Cape Verde, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have pulled off. The wider field has also stretched the talent gap on paper, according to FIFA, giving lower-ranked sides more chances to spring a surprise. Expect more shocks as the groups conclude on June 27.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest upset of the World Cup 2026 so far?
The biggest shock is Cape Verde’s 0–0 draw with Spain on June 15 — a first-ever World Cup point for the debutants against the reigning European champions, backed up by a 2–2 draw with Uruguay.
Have any Arab teams won a match at the World Cup 2026?
Yes. Egypt beat New Zealand 3–1 on June 21 for their first-ever World Cup win. Earlier, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Morocco each earned draws against Uruguay, Belgium and Brazil.
Why are there so many upsets at the 2026 World Cup?
The tournament has expanded to 48 teams, bringing more debutants and wider FIFA-ranking gaps. Because 32 of the 48 teams advance, even a single point from a draw can keep an underdog in contention.
Sources
Al Jazeera – Spain held to shock draw by Cape Verde; ESPN – matchday recap (Egypt’s first win; Spain 4–0 Saudi Arabia; Cape Verde hold Uruguay); ESPN – Canada 6–0 Qatar, Jonathan David hat-trick; FIFA – official match schedule and results.
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
