European champions Spain were held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde, tiny World Cup debutants, in Atlanta. Despite controlling 74% possession, the world champions couldn’t break through Cape Verde’s defense. The underdogs, nicknamed Blue Sharks, are ranked as outsiders to win the tournament.
Meanwhile, Iran prepares for their long-awaited entry into the tournament after a period of uncertainty following US-Israeli military strikes on Iran earlier this year. They face New Zealand in Group G at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Tensions remain high with visa issues and protests planned outside the stadium by Iranian diaspora opposing the regime.
Iran’s coach, Amir Ghalenoei, hopes their performance will unite Iranians both within and outside the country. He emphasized that football is separate from politics and aims to represent all Iranians respectfully.