# World Cup 2026 Daily Roundup: Salah Makes History, Cape Verde’s Fairytale Continues, Japan Dominate
**This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, PC Master Deals earns from qualifying purchases.**
—
The 2026 World Cup is heating up with dramatic group-stage action across North America. Here’s everything you need to know from the latest matches on June 21-22, 2026.
—
## Match Results Summary
| Match | Score | Group | Key Highlight |
|—|—|—|—|
| **Egypt** vs New Zealand | **3-1** | Group G | Salah’s first-ever World Cup win for Egypt |
| Uruguay vs **Cape Verde** | 2-2 | Group H | Cape Verde earn second straight draw |
| **Japan** vs Tunisia | **4-0** | Group F | Tunisia eliminated from tournament |
| Belgium vs Iran | 0-0 | Group G | Belgium’s golden generation fades further |
| USA vs Australia | 2-0 | — | USA advance to knockout rounds |
—
## 🏆 Egypt 3-1 New Zealand — Salah Ends 92-Year Wait
**Mohamed Salah** produced a vintage performance as Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 — securing the Pharaohs’ **first-ever World Cup victory** in their fourth attempt, spanning 92 years since their debut in 1934.
New Zealand took a shock lead through Finn Surman’s 15th-minute header from a corner. But Egypt roared back in the second half:
– **58’** — Mostafa Zico (named after the Brazilian legend) headed home the equalizer
– **67’** — Salah played a brilliant one-two with Zico and slotted into the bottom corner
– **82’** — Salah’s corner found substitute **Trezeguet** for a headed finish
Egypt now top Group G and will advance to the knockout stage for the first time if they beat Iran on Saturday. New Zealand, still searching for their first World Cup win, must now beat Belgium to keep their hopes alive.
—
## 🇨🇻 Cape Verde 2-2 Uruguay — The Fairytale Continues
One of the tournament’s most heartwarming stories just got better. **Cape Verde**, playing in their first-ever World Cup, held two-time champions Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in Miami.
The island nation took a dream lead through **Kevin Pina’s** long-range free-kick in the 21st minute. Uruguay struck back through Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio to lead 2-1 at halftime. But Cape Verde refused to quit — **Helio Varela** pounced on a defensive error from Uruguay’s Mathias Olivera to slot home the equalizer.
Cape Verde now have 2 points from 2 games (draws against Spain and Uruguay) and remain firmly in contention to reach the last 32. Uruguay’s Federico Valverde had a goal ruled out for offside, denying them a late winner.
—
## 🇯🇵 Japan 4-0 Tunisia — Samurai Blue Cruise, Tunisia Eliminated
Japan produced a dominant display to thump Tunisia 4-0 in Guadalupe, Mexico, officially eliminating the North Africans from the tournament.
Tunisia’s campaign unravelled after a 5-1 defeat to Sweden, the sacking of coach Sabri Lamouchi, and the appointment of Herve Renard just days before this match. Japan needed just **4 minutes** to open the scoring through Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada.
– Ayase Ueda scored a brace (two superb finishes)
– Junya Ito added the fourth with a composed one-on-one finish
Japan have 4 points and are well-positioned to advance, with a final group game against Sweden on Friday.
—
## 🇧🇪 Belgium 0-0 Iran — Red Devils’ Decline Deepens
Belgium’s “Golden Generation” era is officially over. The Red Devils played out a drab 0-0 draw with Iran and had defender Nathan Ngoy sent off. Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, both 33-34 and recovering from injury, looked a shadow of their former selves.
Roy Keane called the game **”rubbish”** on BBC commentary. Belgium’s fate now goes to the final group game — they must beat New Zealand to avoid an embarrassing early exit.
—
## 🔭 What’s Coming Up Today (June 22)
| Match | Time (ET) | Group | Why Watch |
|—|—|—|—|
| **Argentina** vs Austria | 1:00 PM | Group J | Messi can become all-time WC top scorer |
| **France** vs Iraq | 5:00 PM | Group D | Mbappe chasing Golden Boot |
| Jordan vs Algeria | — | Group J | Crucial group clash |
| Netherlands vs Sweden | — | Group F | Top-of-table battle |
**Lionel Messi**, who turns 39 this week, scored a hat-trick against Algeria to equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goals record (16). One more goal against Austria and he’ll stand alone. Don’t miss it.
—
## 📊 Golden Boot Race
| Player | Goals | Team |
|—|—|—|
| Lionel Messi | 16 (all-time) | Argentina |
| Kylian Mbappe | 14 | France |
| Erling Haaland | — | Norway |
| Harry Kane | — | England |
—
## FAQ
**Q: Can Egypt really qualify for the knockout stage?**
A: Yes. Egypt top Group G with 3 points. A win or draw against Iran on Saturday would see them through to the last 32 for the first time in history.
**Q: Are Belgium completely out?**
A: Not yet, but it’s close. They need to beat New Zealand in their final group game and hope other results go their way.
**Q: Who is the favorite to win the World Cup right now?**
A: Argentina and France remain the bookmakers’ favorites, but England’s 4-2 win over Croatia and Japan’s dominant form have raised eyebrows.
**Q: Where can I watch the matches?**
A: In the US, matches are broadcast on Fox Sports. You can also stream via FuboTV or Sling.
—
## Final Thoughts
This World Cup has already delivered drama, upsets, and history-making moments. Cape Verde’s fairytale, Salah’s long-awaited victory, and the twilight of Belgium’s golden generation are storylines that will define this tournament.
**Looking ahead:** Argentina vs Austria could be Messi’s crowning moment, and France vs Iraq promises goals. Stay tuned.
—
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, PC Master Deals earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.*
*Want more World Cup coverage? Check out our other articles on [blog.pcmasterdeals.com](https://blog.pcmasterdeals.com).*