FIFA World Cup witnesses four draws in a single day for first time since 1958

The 2026 FIFA World Cup witnessed a rare statistical anomaly on Monday as all four matches ended in draws, the first time that has happened on a single day at the tournament since June 15, 1958, when eight matches were played, according to The Athletic.

The remarkable sequence began in Atlanta, where tournament debutants Cape Verde produced one of the biggest shocks of the competition so far by holding world No. 2 and reigning European champions Spain to a goalless draw. Cape Verde’s disciplined defensive display frustrated Spain throughout the Group H encounter and earned the African nation a memorable point.

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The drama continued in Seattle, where Egypt came within touching distance of their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory before settling for a 1-1 draw against Belgium. Emam Ashour gave Egypt an early lead, but substitute Romelu Lukaku made an immediate impact, forcing an own goal within a minute of coming on to rescue a point for the Red Devils.

Miami then witnessed another stalemate as Maximiliano Araujo’s 80th-minute equaliser helped Uruguay salvage a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia in their Group H opener. The result left all four teams in the group, Spain, Cape Verde, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, level on one point after the opening round of matches.

The day’s final match produced arguably the most entertaining contest, with Iran coming from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Elijah Just struck twice for the All Whites, while Ramin Rezaeian inspired Iran’s fightback with a goal and an assist.

Iran will next face Belgium in Los Angeles, while New Zealand take on Egypt in Vancouver on Sunday in the next round of Group G fixtures.

The draw extended New Zealand’s wait for a first FIFA World Cup victory, with the All Whites now winless in seven tournament matches. Iran, meanwhile, remains in pursuit of a historic first qualification for the knockout stages.