The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is intensifying as the second round of group stage matches provides a clearer picture of which nations will advance to the knockout rounds.
Among the 48 competing nations, 16 represent Europe. Spain delivered a masterclass yesterday, defeating Saudi Arabia 4-0 to recover from a previous setback against Cape Verde. Meanwhile, France, the 2022 finalists and two-time champions, are preparing to face Iraq this Monday in Philadelphia for their second group encounter.
As the tournament progresses, the performance of teams from the Old Continent remains a focal point. Here is the essential breakdown of the action from the eleventh day of competition.
Key statistics 📊
27.2
This is the average age of players across the sixteen European squads in this World Cup. Bosnia-Herzegovina boasts the youngest roster with an average of 26 years. In contrast, Scotland has the most experienced squad, averaging 28.7 years, though the gap between the youngest and oldest teams remains narrow.
From the touchline 🎙️
“I don’t have much to criticize my players for, other than a lack of clinical finishing. This is part of a slow start to a World Cup, a ‘diesel’ beginning. At least we know exactly what we need to do against New Zealand.” — Rudi Garcia, Belgium head coach.
Belgium is currently struggling after a 0-0 draw against Iran, following a previous stalemate with Egypt. Following the Egyptian victory overnight, the Red Devils no longer control their destiny for the top spot in the group. The Belgians must now secure a convincing win against New Zealand and hope for an Egyptian slip-up against Iran.
Overnight match results
- Spain 🇪🇸 4 – 0 Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
- Belgium 🇧🇪 0 – 0 Iran 🇮🇷
- Uruguay 🇺🇾 2 – 2 Cape Verde 🇨🇻
- New Zealand 🇳🇿 1 – 3 Egypt 🇪🇬
Deep dive 🔎
For the past seven editions, no reigning Ballon d’Or winner has managed to secure the World Cup title the following year. Ousmane Dembélé, the 2025 Ballon d’Or recipient and Paris Saint-Germain star, has the chance to break this long-standing curse. The French forward and double European club champion leads the Bleus against Iraq on June 22 in Philadelphia.
Several European legends have failed to achieve this double in the past. Cristiano Ronaldo fell short in 2014 and 2018, while Michael Owen could not lead England to glory in 2002. A unique case was Karim Benzema, the 2022 winner, who was forced to withdraw from the Qatar tournament due to an injury sustained just days before the opening match.
European spotlight 📰
Lamine Yamal continues to prove his immense value to the Spanish side. Despite recovering from a thigh injury and not yet being fit for a full 90 minutes, the Barcelona prodigy transformed his team during his first World Cup start against Saudi Arabia. The 18-year-old star opened the scoring in the 10th minute before being substituted at halftime to manage his workload.
Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente sent a clear message to future opponents after the match: “He is back.”
