# World Cup 2026 Roundup: USA Clinch Knockout Spot, Salah Makes History, Cape Verde’s Fairytale Continues
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, PC Master Deals earns from qualifying purchases.*
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up as group-stage action continues across North America. Matchday 2 delivered drama, history, and upsets — from Mohamed Salah finally breaking Egypt’s 92-year curse to the United States booking their spot in the knockout rounds. Here’s everything you need to know from the latest action.
—
## 🇺🇸 USA 2–0 Australia — Stars and Stripes March On
The US Men’s National Team secured their place in the Round of 32 with a commanding 2–0 victory over Australia in Seattle. Fans flooded the streets in celebration as the home side delivered a polished performance to advance from Group D with a game to spare.
| Team | GP | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|——|:–:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:–:|:—:|
| USA | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | +6 | 6 |
| Australia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 3 |
| Iran | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Paraguay | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -3 | 0 |
The US will now face Ecuador in their final group game as they look to top the group.
—
## 🇪🇬 Egypt 3–1 New Zealand — Salah Ends 92-Year Wait
Mohamed Salah produced a moment of magic that will be remembered for generations. The Egyptian captain scored one goal and set up another as the Pharaohs came from behind to beat New Zealand 3–1 — securing Egypt’s **first-ever World Cup win** in their 92-year history of tournament participation.
New Zealand took a shock lead through Finn Surman’s header in the 15th minute, but Egypt roared back in the second half:
– **58’** — Mostafa Zico headed home the equalizer
– **67’** — Salah played a neat one-two and fired into the bottom corner
– **82’** — Salah’s corner was headed home by Trezeguet
| Team | GP | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|——|:–:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:–:|:—:|
| Egypt | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | +2 | 4 |
| Iran | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Belgium | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| New Zealand | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -2 | 1 |
A win against Iran on Saturday will see Egypt top the group and advance to the knockout stage for the first time.
—
## 🇨🇻 Cape Verde 2–2 Uruguay — The Fairytale Continues
Cape Verde continue to be the story of the tournament. The tiny island nation (population: 525,000) produced another stunning performance, coming from behind twice to draw 2–2 with two-time champions Uruguay in Miami.
Kevin Pina opened the scoring with a magnificent 30-yard free-kick that found its way through a parted Uruguayan wall. After Uruguay took the lead through Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio, Helio Varela equalized following a defensive mix-up from Uruguay’s Mathias Olivera.
Cape Verde are now the first World Cup debutants to go unbeaten across their first two games since Senegal in 2002. They face Saudi Arabia on Saturday with qualification for the last 32 firmly in their sights.
—
## 🇯🇵 Japan 4–0 Tunisia — Tunisia Eliminated
Japan ran riot against Tunisia, putting four past them in Guadalupe, Mexico. Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada opened the scoring inside four minutes, and Ayase Ueda bagged a brace as the Samurai Blue dominated from start to finish.
The result eliminated Tunisia, who also sacked manager Sabri Lamouchi mid-tournament after a 5–1 thrashing by Sweden.
—
## 🇧🇪 Belgium 0–0 Iran — Red Devils in Crisis
Once the golden generation of world football, Belgium now face the very real prospect of group-stage elimination. They were held to a goalless draw by Iran — a team playing under extraordinary circumstances due to travel visa restrictions amid ongoing conflict with co-host USA.
Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku looked a shadow of their former selves, lacking match fitness after injury-hit seasons. Belgium had defender Nathan Ngoy sent off and now need a result against New Zealand in their final group game.
—
## 🇦🇷 Messi Equals Record with Hat-Trick
Lionel Messi scored a stunning hat-trick against Algeria, taking his World Cup goal tally to 16 — equaling the all-time record. Argentina fans in Kansas erupted as their captain delivered yet another masterclass on the biggest stage.
—
## Looking Ahead — Key Fixtures
| Match | Group | Date |
|——-|:—–:|:—-:|
| Scotland vs Brazil | C | June 22 |
| Haiti vs Brazil | C | June 22 |
| England vs Portugal | L | June 22 |
| Spain vs Austria | H | June 22 |
| Egypt vs Iran | G | June 27 |
| Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia | H | June 27 |
—
## FAQ
**Q: Have the US qualified for the knockout stage?**
A: Yes! The USMNT secured their spot in the Round of 32 with a 2–0 win over Australia.
**Q: How many teams advance from each group?**
A: In the expanded 48-team format, the top two from each of the 12 groups advance automatically, along with the eight best third-placed teams — making a 32-team knockout stage.
**Q: Can Cape Verde really qualify?**
A: Absolutely. They’re unbeaten in two games and face Saudi Arabia in their final group match. A win would almost certainly guarantee progression.
**Q: What’s the latest on Iran’s situation?**
A: Iran are playing under severe restrictions due to the conflict with co-host USA. They face travel visa limitations and have had minimal preparation time, yet remain unbeaten.
—
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, PC Master Deals earns from qualifying purchases.*
**Get ready for the knockout stage with official FIFA merchandise and gear on [Amazon](https://amzn.to/4bWYpQ).**