Matchday 11 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup witnessed history being delivered across the whole of North America.

From Spain’s fluid positional dominance to Egypt breaking an age-old curse, the global showpiece continues to reward tactical clarity over reputation. Striver.Football recaps all the action that took place on day 11 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia: La Roja Find Their Rhythm

Spain put on an absolute clinic in free-flowing positional play, overwhelming a disciplined but ultimately outmatched Saudi Arabian side. 

Luis de la Fuente’s charges functioned flawlessly, utilising rapid switches of play and inverted half-space overloads to completely dismantle the Saudi mid-block.

The technical velocity of Spain's youthful spine proved too hot to handle. By generating constant numerical superiorities in the central channels mostly instigated by Mikel Oyazabal, La Roja turned transition phases into execution sessions, pinning their opponents deep and cruising to a dominant 4-0 victory that cements their status as genuine tournament heavyweights.

Oyazarbal scored two and Lamine Yamal got his maiden World Cup goal as Spain emerged deserved winners in the end.

Egypt 3-1 New Zealand: The Pharoahs Break the Curse

History was written as Egypt secured their first-ever victory in a FIFA World Cup match, overcoming a rugged New Zealand side. 

Having carried the burden of a historic winless run across multiple generations, the Pharaonic engine room finally broke the shackles.

Egypt’s tactical layout relied on intense vertical directness, looking to bypass New Zealand's aggressive physical press, which eventually led to a 3-1 win thanks to goals by Mo Salah, Mostafa Ziko and Trezegut.

Despite structural pushback from the Kiwis, Egypt showed elite game management in the closing stages to secure the three vital points, sparking absolute scenes of relief and celebration on the touchline.

Cape Verde 2-2 Uruguay: Another Statement From The Blue Sharks

The Blue Sharks produced one of the most structurally impressive performances of the tournament, holding a star-studded Uruguay side to a thrilling draw. 

Days after their impressive 0-0 draw against Spain, Cape Verde were hyper-aggressive counter-press, exposing La Celeste's defensive transition phases to earn a crucial point.

The second goal by Cape Verde to equalise was perfect example. With the side 2-1 down, substitute Helio Varela pounced on a defensive mistake to level the scores around the hour mark.

Iran 0-0 Belgium: Red Devils Facing Another Early Exit?

An absolute tactical chessboard played out between Iran and Belgium, ending in a goalless stalemate.

Iran’s low-block remained incredibly compact, completely choking out Belgium’s interior passing lanes and leaving the Red Devils frustrated as the race for Group G qualification goes down to the wire.

This now means Belgium are at risk of collapsing once again, just as they did at the 2022 World Cup as they were unable to make it out of the group.

Matchday 11 By The Numbers

4 — Goals smashed home by a ruthless Spanish attack to dismantle Saudi Arabia and send a major warning shot to the rest of the field.

1 — Historic, maiden World Cup victory officially registered by Egypt after multiple generations of trying, breaking their long-standing tournament hoodoo.

2 — Goals apiece in the chaotic thriller between Cabo Verde and Uruguay, leaving Group G wide open.

0 — Goals conceded by Iran's highly disciplined low-block, completely neutralizing Belgium’s multi-million dollar frontline.

11 — Days of non-stop, elite tournament football completed in North America as the final group-stage permutations begin to take clear shape.