South America's wait for a first win continued as Uruguay fell short of victory.
Four matches played across the U.S. produced no wins for the traditional favorites.
Spain was held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in Atlanta, Georgia, as the World Cup debutants frustrated one of Europe's strongest teams. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was the hero, making seven saves as Spain poured forward but failed to break through.
La Roja controlled most of the match and had 27 attempts, but Cape Verde defended deep, stayed compact and survived several dangerous moments.
Spanish Teenage winger Lamine Yamal came on in the second half in hopes of turning the match around, but even his appearance failed to produce a breakthrough. The result gave Cape Verde its first point in their first World Cup match.
Belgium also failed to start with a win, drawing 1-1 with Egypt in Seattle, Washington. Egypt took the lead in the 19th minute when midfielder Emam Ashour scored after being set up by Mohamed Salah.
The goal gave Egypt hope of a historic first World Cup victory, and the African side played with confidence for much of the match.
Belgium was below its best until Romelu Lukaku came on in the second half. Lukaku did not score, but his movement inside the box helped force Mohamed Hany into an own goal, allowing Belgium to escape with a point.
Saudi Arabia then kept Asia's unbeaten run alive with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Saudis went ahead in the first half through Abdulelah Al Amri and spent long stretches trying to protect its lead.
Dictating the tempo in the second half, Uruguay eventually found an equalizer through Maxi Araujo, denying Saudi Arabia a second straight World Cup opening win after its famous victory over Argentina in 2022.
The final match of the day brought another twist as 85th-ranked New Zealand held 21st-ranked Iran to a 2-2 draw at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Iran entered the match under unusual circumstances, having had to base themselves in Mexico and travel into the U.S. for matches because of visa issues.
New Zealand, back at the World Cup for the first time since its unbeaten three-draw campaign in South Africa in 2010, made an immediate impression.
Elijah Just scored New Zealand's opener and later restored its lead, with captain and star striker Chris Wood providing both assists.
The result kept the group-stage round finely balanced after Belgium and Egypt also drew earlier in the day.
Asia's unbeaten run in the opening round of group matches now depends on three remaining teams: Iraq, who face Norway later Tuesday, Jordan, who meet Austria early Wednesday, and Uzbekistan, who open against Colombia later that day.
South American teams that have played are still waiting for their first win, with Argentina set to open against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on Tuesday and Colombia due to face Uzbekistan at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City on Wednesday
The All Whites' task remains daunting, with the 85th-ranked All Whites still facing 29th-ranked Egypt and ninth-ranked Belgium in what looks like an almost impossible push for the knockout stage.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
