BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK

Spain will attempt to strengthen their position in Group H when they face Saudi Arabia in a FIFA World Cup encounter that rekindles memories of their previous meeting two decades ago.

The two nations last met at the World Cup during the 2006 tournament in Germany, when a solitary goal from Juanito secured a 1-0 victory for Spain in Kaiserslautern.

La Roja enter the fixture determined to return to winning ways after being held to a surprise draw by tournament debutants Cabo Verde. The Spanish side will be keen to avoid another setback as the group stage enters a decisive phase.

Saudi Arabia, however, have ambitions of creating history. The Green Falcons are seeking their first World Cup victory against European opposition since their memorable 1-0 triumph over Belgium at the 1994 tournament in the United States.

A positive result would significantly boost Saudi Arabia’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage while adding another notable chapter to their World Cup story.

With both teams aware of the importance of the fixture, Sunday’s encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the final Group H standings.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK

History will be on the line when New Zealand and Egypt meet in Group G as both nations seek their first victory at the FIFA World Cup.

Neither side has managed to record a win at the 2026 tournament so far, making the encounter a crucial opportunity to keep their hopes of advancing alive.

The match will also mark a landmark occasion for New Zealand, who will face African opposition at the World Cup for the first time in their history.

Egypt, one of Africa’s most experienced football nations, are equally desperate to secure three points after a difficult start to their campaign. The Pharaohs know that victory could breathe new life into their chances of reaching the knockout rounds.

For New Zealand, the game offers an opportunity to achieve a breakthrough result on football’s biggest stage and further establish themselves among the emerging nations at the tournament.

With both teams chasing a historic first World Cup triumph, the encounter is expected to be fiercely contested as they battle to keep their dreams alive.

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Saudi Arabia have developed a remarkable habit of taking control early in FIFA World Cup matches played in the United States.

The Green Falcons have now led at half-time in all four of their World Cup group-stage matches played on American soil. The sequence began at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, when Saudi Arabia went into the interval ahead in each of their three group matches against the Netherlands, Morocco and Belgium.

Thirty-two years later, at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia maintained the trend by holding a half-time lead in their Group H opener against Uruguay before eventually settling for a draw.

The statistic underlines Saudi Arabia’s ability to make fast starts in World Cup matches played in the United States, a trait that helped them reach the Round of 16 in their debut World Cup appearance in 1994.

Saudi Arabia’s World Cup Group Matches in the USA

• 1994: Led the Netherlands at half-time
• 1994: Led Morocco at half-time
• 1994: Led Belgium at half-time
• 2026: Led Uruguay at half-time

Record: 4 matches, 4 half-time leads.