The Saudi Arabia national football team is looking to repeat its performance in the first round when it faces Spain, the European champion, on Sunday in a very difficult task within Group H of the FIFA World Cup in North America. A strong performance in the opening match allowed Saudi Arabia to draw 1-1 with Uruguay, despite being disappointed to concede the equalizing goal in the 80th minute. In their seventh participation in the finals, the Green Falcons are seeking to remain unbeaten, which could enhance their chances of reaching the round of 32, an achievement they have not achieved since 1994 on American soil. Although considered outside the circle of nominations, Saudi Arabia can draw inspiration from its achievement in the 2022 edition when it defeated Argentina 2-1, which was the continental champion, similar to Spain currently. Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, who seemed ready for the challenge after saving nine balls against Uruguay, will test his abilities again against the attackers of La Roja, led by Lamin Jamal, who achieved more dribbles than any other Spanish player against Cape Verde, despite entering as a substitute in the 71st minute only. Spain surpasses Saudi Arabia in direct confrontations, having beaten them three times, including 1-0 in the group stage in 2006. Spain, the top candidate for the title, will try to respond strongly after being exposed to the biggest surprise in the first round with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, the African newcomer who played its first match in the competition. La Roja's possession rate reached 74%, the fourth-highest rate for a team that did not score in the finals since 1966, while their streak of matches without a win in this tournament extended to four (three draws and one loss). Spain has never played five consecutive matches without a win in the World Cup, so it is not surprising that coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed that his team is completely calm, with this draw extending their unbeaten streak in all competitions since June 2025 to 11 (seven wins and four draws). In the same group, Uruguay, a two-time champion, will face Cape Verde in Miami. Uruguay earned a point in the last minutes of their match against Saudi Arabia, translating their dominance in the second half after a frustrating first half. However, the draw did not actually alleviate the apparent tension between the players and Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa. The team is seeking to compensate for its failure to reach the knockout stages in 2022, while Cape Verde achieved a surprise by drawing goallessly with the European champion, which ignited an atmosphere of joy. Coach Bubista's team almost stole the three points, but they can be proud of the point they earned thanks to a heroic performance. In another group, New Zealand and Egypt are continuing their quest for their first win in the finals when they meet in Vancouver. Egypt was disappointed after failing to maintain its lead over Belgium 1-1. With all teams in Group G drawing in the first round, a win would bring Egypt much closer to qualifying for the round of 16, an achievement they have not achieved before (three draws, five losses). They could also set a negative record, as the Honduras team holds the record for the most World Cup matches without a win (nine matches). Meanwhile, New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley returned with a mix of pride and disappointment after his team, the All Whites, squandered their lead twice during a 2-2 draw with Iran in the first round. This means that New Zealand has drawn in all four of its World Cup matches since the beginning of the century, and another draw would make them equal Belgium's record of five consecutive draws in the tournament, set in 2002. They need to break this streak if they want to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time in their history, especially since their last group match will be against Belgium. In the same group, Belgium will face Iran in Los Angeles. The Red Devils were forced to come back from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Egypt in Seattle, extending their drought without a win in their last three World Cup matches (two draws, one loss), and