Group H: Spain Prepare to Face Saudi Arabia
Spain have had nearly a week to reflect on their disappointing start against Cape Verde and return to Atlanta to face Saudi Arabia. Lamine Yamal, who was introduced as a substitute in the 71st minute of the opener, might be fit enough to start.
Coach Luis de la Fuente has urged against comparing the 18-year-old to legends like Messi and Maradona, instead likening him to artistic geniuses Salvador Dalí and Michelangelo:
"The worst mistake we could make would be to compare him to anyone. He is in the midst of a process. He has exceptional footballing maturity and lives it all with total naturalness. He has great serenity and strength. We have to let him follow his path but those players who have something different are ready for that. They’re geniuses, like Dalí [who] can paint a picture, or Michelangelo. They’re different. What is exceptional to us, isn’t to them."
Such remarks aim to keep Yamal grounded as he develops.
Meanwhile, The Daily podcast team in Los Angeles has been analyzing Saturday’s matches and coming to terms with the early exit of dark horses Turkey.
Infantino's Private Jet Emissions Raise Environmental Concerns
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been highly active during the tournament, attending matches in multiple cities including Mexico City, Guadalajara, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Seattle, Kansas City, and Houston. His frequent use of a Qatar Airways private jet—already clocking 600,000 km over three years as revealed by Josimar in September 2024—has drawn criticism from environmental groups concerned about the climate impact.
The 2026 World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has expanded from 64 to 104 matches, amplifying the environmental footprint of such travel.
French carbon footprint assessment company Greenly stated,
"Just one hour in this plane emits roughly what an average human being emits in an entire year."
Greenly estimates that if Infantino continues traveling between two cities daily until the last 16, then attends the quarterfinals, his private jet could emit between 300 and 500 tonnes of CO2 during the tournament, equivalent to the annual emissions of 35 to 55 French citizens.
FIFA defends Infantino’s travel choices, stating that executives select between commercial and private flights based on efficiency and cost-effectiveness, with the organization covering travel expenses.
David Gogishvili, a geographer at the University of Lausanne, described FIFA’s model as a "sustainability paradox," noting that using geographically dispersed NFL stadiums across a continent inherently depends on high-emission air travel.
Moreover, the 2026 tournament’s appeal to celebrities and affluent spectators has increased private jet usage beyond FIFA leadership, further raising the event’s carbon footprint.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar saw 1,846 private jets land, surpassing numbers for the Super Bowl, Cannes Film Festival, World Economic Forum in Davos, and COP28 combined, according to the British journal Nature. AFP
Dutch Royals Support Both Netherlands and Curaçao Teams
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands began their Saturday by supporting the Dutch team’s victory over Sweden in Houston. Later, they traveled to Kansas City to watch Curaçao play against Ecuador.
Curaçao, a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, makes the monarchs its heads of state. The royal couple switched from their orange scarves to blue ones to support Curaçao.
Despite being the smallest team in population and size, Curaçao made its World Cup debut last Sunday with a 7-1 loss to Germany but rebounded with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador, earning their first-ever World Cup point.
"It is an extra special World Cup because we have both the Netherlands and Curaçao," Willem-Alexander told RTL-TV. "So we have twice as many teams to cheer for. A great opportunity to cheer on both the Blues and the Oranges. All in all, it will be a special World Cup for me with two teams, and I naturally hope they go extremely far."
Following the Netherlands’ progress toward the knockout stage, Curaçao remains in contention after goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves—just one shy of the World Cup record—to secure the draw.
"It’s amazing," said Curaçao midfielder Tahith Chong about celebrating with the royal family in the dressing room. "I knew before the game that they were coming to the game. To have them at such a game that we pick up our first point ever in history is amazing."
"Seeing how the king, his wife and daughter fit in our group is something that evokes a lot of respect," said Curaçao coach Dick Advocaat, who was born and raised in the Netherlands. "They smile, they dance, nothing is too much for them, and you can see them radiating with joy. It was wonderful to see the royal family in this way."
Today's Fixtures
On Sunday, Groups G and H will be in action with the following matches:
- Spain vs Saudi Arabia, Atlanta (12:00 PM local, 5:00 PM BST, 2:00 AM AEST)
- Belgium vs Iran, Los Angeles (12:00 PM local, 8:00 PM BST, 5:00 AM AEST)
- Uruguay vs Cape Verde, Miami (6:00 PM local, 11:00 PM BST, 8:00 AM AEST)
- New Zealand vs Egypt, Vancouver (6:00 PM local, 2:00 AM BST, 11:00 AM AEST, 1:00 PM NZST)
The kickoff time for New Zealand fans is convenient, though it may conflict with work or school schedules. Readers are encouraged to share how they are managing the match timings.
Chris wrote via email:
"Not sure when you compiled the Sans-Stars list, but there’s no space and you’ve left Room! Not as good as the Lebowski/Room/Rug one last night, admittedly. But at least it’s an ethos."
Yesterday’s standout player Vozinha is now out of the spotlight.
Japanese Fans Display Exemplary Clean-Up Tradition
Following Japan’s 4-0 victory over Tunisia in the 1,000th World Cup match held in Monterrey, Japanese fans remained after the game to clean the stadium seats and stands, practicing gomi hiroi—a cultural tradition emphasizing responsibility for shared spaces.
Ken Okawa, 30, attending his first World Cup match, said,
"We are guests in Mexico. I have been treated wonderfully, so this is my way of showing my appreciation."
This practice is taught from a young age in Japan, where schoolchildren clean their classrooms. Miku Takeya, 41, explained,
"It’s a natural part of our culture. We do this to ensure that everything we use is left clean so that the next person can use it comfortably."
Images of Japanese fans cleaning after matches have gone viral. Nuevo León governor Samuel García arranged for 20,000 bin bags to be distributed at the stadium, Fanfest, and other tourist sites following requests from Japanese fans.
While this practice has garnered international attention, many Japanese fans consider it normal. Ichiro Oyo, 27, said,
"It’s common sense in Japan."
Ryo Matsuoka, 32, expressed pride in showcasing this cultural aspect on the world stage,
"I think it is a matter of great pride that this is being showcased in a stadium like this, where people from all over the world are watching."
Team of the Tournament So Far: Emerging Stars Shine
John Brewin, Marcus Christenson, and the author have compiled a team of the tournament’s best performers over the opening 10 days, focusing on players other than the usual superstars like Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland. The spotlight is on players such as Laryea, Just, and Quiñones.
In Group F, the Netherlands’ 5-1 victory over Sweden featured several English league players. Crysencio Summerville of Championship side West Ham was the only goalscorer not currently in the Premier League. Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey scored twice, as did Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, while Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga scored Sweden’s lone goal.
"The scoreline’s a little harsh on us, but sometimes that happens in football, especially with the quality of the opponent we face," said Sweden’s Graham Potter.
"We got off to not a good start, which then puts you behind in the game and then affects the mood. After the first break, we thought we did really well. We adjusted things a little bit, which made it better for us."
Ronald Koeman’s Dutch side is expected to top the group, with Sweden likely aiming for a draw against Japan to advance as a best third-place team.
"We needed this," Koeman said. "When you start a tournament, you want to start well. It gives you peace of mind. There was also a bit more pressure on us to win. Otherwise, everything would come down to the final group match, and you don’t want that."
UK-based Tony Mason commented on the early morning matches:
"After last night’s and this morning’s shenanigans things are starting to get a tiny bit clearer. I’m predicting a blockbuster round of 32 match between Brazil and Japan. Curaçao may have done a huge favour to teams finishing 3rd as both them and Ecuador will now struggle to get more than 2 points. This Sunday morning I’ve watched a full football match, the highlights of another, been for a run and had breakfast and it still isn’t 9 o’clock."
He humorously noted that others are more active than him.
Japan’s Tactical Shift and Tunisia’s Exit
In Group F, Japan’s 4-0 win over Tunisia in Monterrey featured Daichi Kamada playing in an advanced role, filling in for the injured Takefusa Kubo.
"Daichi has mostly been deployed as a defensive midfielder recently, but considering our current team situation, we had him shift to the shadow striker position today," said Japan’s head coach Hajime Moriyasu. "The idea was to bring out his strengths and have him control the team’s offence and defence from that advanced position."
Tunisia, having lost their first two matches, are eliminated. Their coach Herve Renard, who replaced Sabri Lamouchi, acknowledged the defeat’s severity but emphasized focus on the final group game against the Netherlands.
"The score is heavy but it reflects the difference between the two teams tonight," Renard said. "Even if we are eliminated we still have a third game to play. We are in a tournament, and we must remain focused. It is important to get ready to fight for this third game against the Netherlands."
Germany Progress with Character
In Group E, Germany advanced from the group stage for the first time since their 2014 World Cup win, overcoming a halftime deficit to Côte d’Ivoire.
Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav scored twice after coming off the bench, including a late winner, bringing his international tally to nine goals in 11 caps.
"We showed great character today," Undav said, channeling his inner Brendan Rodgers.
Undav’s role under coach Julian Nagelsmann is notable, as Nagelsmann has previously criticized his performances despite his scoring. Undav has expressed dissatisfaction with being primarily an impact substitute.
"I could have him in the starting lineup," Nagelsmann said. "I think that every player would love to be in the starting lineup, but I think he’s very happy as it is right now."
Curaçao’s Historic Point and Eloy Room’s Heroics
Goalkeeper Eloy Room’s 15 saves against Ecuador—one shy of Tim Howard’s World Cup record—helped Curaçao secure their first-ever point in the tournament following a 7-1 loss to Germany.
"I think I need a statue in Curaçao now," Room said.
"A little bit annoyed that I don’t have the record from Tim Howard, but I think he was sweating in front of the TV because I was close," he added.
"It’s going to be an insane memory. You don’t think about it when you do it but of course it’s going to be something you look back to. For me as a goalkeeper, this is almost a perfect game. It’s unbelievable. And I cannot do it alone. I did it with the team and my defenders and the midfielders, strikers. We did it as a team."
The draw keeps Curaçao’s hopes alive to progress from Group E if they defeat Côte d’Ivoire in their final match.
Results and Reports from Saturday
Saturday’s matches saw Sweden follow their 5-1 opening win over Tunisia with a 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands in Houston, with Brian Brobbey scoring twice.
Germany’s Deniz Undav continued his scoring streak with two goals off the bench, including a late winner against Côte d’Ivoire in Toronto.
Curaçao earned their first World Cup point with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador, thanks to Eloy Room’s 15 saves in Kansas City.
Japan dominated Tunisia in Monterrey, with Herve Renard’s first game as Tunisia coach ending in defeat.
Iran’s Coach Criticizes Lack of Support and Travel Issues
Iran’s head coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed disappointment over the lack of support from other 47 World Cup managers amid ongoing logistical challenges before their crucial Group G match against Belgium.
Iran arrived in Los Angeles from their base in Tijuana less than 24 hours before the match, despite requesting to arrive two days earlier. They have voiced frustration to FIFA President Gianni Infantino about feeling disadvantaged, while Belgium arrived on Friday to prepare.
"I haven’t heard anything from other coaches and I’m sure they’re busy with preparing their own teams and we never expect them to show any reaction," Ghalenoei said. "But if I had seen another team being treated the way we’ve been treated, I would have [done it]."
"I have not seen any reactions from anyone but it seems like the honourable coach of Belgium [Rudi Garcia] has said we are here for football, not politics, and I’m saying exactly the same thing. Our grievances are to do with the way [FIFA] have behaved towards us."
Ghalenoei described how Iran waited on Friday evening after FIFA indicated they might be able to fly to LA earlier. Despite readiness to depart Tijuana, the flight was not confirmed, causing mental strain.
"They [FIFA] phoned me and said: ‘Are you ready if we get you a flight at 6pm?’ I welcomed that but we sat and waited and waited," he said. "We waited until 7pm, nothing happened. ‘OK, sorry, we weren’t able to do that.’ That’s going to affect us mentally, especially me as a head coach … I know FIFA is trying its best, I thank them for that but it doesn’t mean they have succeeded."
Permission has been granted for Iran to fly to Seattle two days before their final Group G match against Egypt, but Ghalenoei questioned why earlier travel was not allowed for their first two US matches.
"Why didn’t they let us come earlier for the first two games as well?" the 62-year-old asked. "They’ve allowed us to make our own decisions with regards to planning the travel but unfortunately for the first two games others made these decisions for us."
Summary of Group Status
Tunisia are eliminated after their heavy loss to Japan in Group F. Curaçao remain competitive after their draw with Ecuador in Group E. Germany and the Netherlands continue to advance strongly in their groups.
Discussion continues around the tournament’s developments and the challenges faced by various teams.
Additional Images
