Spain and Uruguay Make Their World Cup Debuts with Caution as Iran’s Moment Arrives

Spain and Uruguay begin their FIFA World Cup campaigns on Monday amid a tournament already marked by shocks and unexpected results, while Iran also makes a highly watched debut. After a dramatic opening weekend in which the Netherlands drew 2-2 with Japan, Turkey lost 2-0 to Australia, Ivory Coast ended Ecuador’s 19-match unbeaten run with a 1-0 win, Sweden beat Tunisia 5-1, and Germany defeated debutant Curacao 7-1, the early message of the competition is clear: no team can afford complacency.

Spain, the European champions, open their Group H campaign in Atlanta against Cape Verde, a World Cup newcomer. Spain are among the favorites to win the title and are chasing a second world crown after their 2010 triumph. Much of the attention will be on 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, one of the brightest young stars in football, who is returning from a muscle injury. Coach Luis de la Fuente said Yamal is available but will not start, though he could play a few minutes. Spain’s deeper challenge will come later in the tournament, which could involve up to eight matches if they reach the final in New Jersey on July 19.

Uruguay begin later in the day in Miami against Saudi Arabia, also in Group H, but Marcelo Bielsa’s team arrive with important absences and questions over their form. Midfielder Giorgian De Arrascaeta, one of Uruguay’s main creative players, will miss at least the first two matches because of a muscle injury. Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is also unlikely to feature after a minor calf problem. Uruguay’s preparations were further disrupted by a flight delay of more than three hours from Cancun to Miami, although Bielsa insisted it would not create serious complications.

In Seattle, Belgium face Egypt in one of the day’s more balanced fixtures. Belgium, still carrying some of the experience of their so-called golden generation, including goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, are no longer viewed as top-tier favorites. Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, arrive with the added storyline of Salah’s recent departure from Liverpool after nine years at the club. His next move remains uncertain, adding intrigue to his role on the world stage.

The day’s most politically sensitive match comes in Los Angeles, where Iran open against New Zealand in Group G. The Iranian team’s appearance has drawn strong attention from the country’s large diaspora in the city, with some opposition groups planning protests outside the stadium. Iran’s coach Amir Ghalenoei emphasized that the team is there to play football and keep politics separate from sport. But the match remains overshadowed by tensions linked to the Iranian regime and the wider geopolitical situation, which had previously raised doubts about Iran’s participation in the tournament.