Group H Erupts: Spain Demolishes Cape Verde as Uruguay Stuns Saudi Arabia

Spain's opening salvo in Group H left no doubt about their intentions. Lamine Yamal struck in the 14th minute—a reminder that the Barcelona winger would be one of the tournament's most lethal forces—before Dani Olmo doubled the lead on 33. By the time Mikel Oyarzabal and Nico Williams added fourth-quarter goals (61', 78'), Cape Verde had been dismantled 4–0. It was a statement of clinical efficiency: Spain's dominance converted into ruthless finishing, with four different scorers sharing the spoils.

But the day's shock came in the Saudi desert. Uruguay's Darwin Núñez opened the scoring in the 18th minute, only for Salem Al-Dawsari to equalize for the hosts on 54. The match hung in the balance until Giorgian de Arrascaeta's decisive strike in the 76th minute sent Uruguay to a 2–1 victory. For Saudi Arabia, it was a bitter opening: a chance squandered against a team that would prove far more clinical in the knockout rounds.

Elsewhere, Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne orchestrated a 3–1 victory over Egypt, the Manchester City maestro opening the scoring in the 18th minute. Mohamed Salah replied for Egypt on 34, but Romelu Lukaku's 61st-minute goal and Leandro Trossard's late strike (78') secured the win. Belgium's midfield control foreshadowed their deeper run in the tournament.

In the night's final act, Sweden's Viktor Gyökeres gave the Scandinavians an early edge against Tunisia with a 23rd-minute opener. Hannibal Mejbri leveled for Tunisia on 57, but Alexander Isak's 78th-minute winner sealed a 2–1 Swedish comeback. Four matches, four decisive results: Group H's hierarchy was clear, and the stage was set for Spain's coronation as group winners.