The World Cup 2026 group stage continues on Monday with four matches scheduled across the United States. Spain begins its campaign against World Cup newcomers Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta at 12pm local time (16:00 GMT). While Spain is considered the clear favorite, Opta simulations gave them an 87.2 percent chance of winning the Group H opener. Simultaneously, Belgium faces Egypt at Seattle Stadium in Seattle at 12pm local time (19:00 GMT). According to aljazeera, this could be one of the day’s closest games; Opta simulations showed Belgium winning 37.2 percent of the time, Egypt winning 35.5 percent, and a draw occurring in 27.3 percent of outcomes. Belgium finished third in Russia in 2018 but failed to advance beyond the group stage in Qatar in 2022. Egypt is qualifying for the fourth time since 1934 but has never won a World Cup match. Later in the day, Saudi Arabia faces Uruguay at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens at 6pm local time (22:00 GMT). Uruguay’s preparations were disrupted by travel problems after a charter flight from Cancun was not cleared to enter the U.S., forcing the team to make alternative arrangements. Opta simulations favor Uruguay, predicting they would win 64.7 percent of the time. The final fixture sees Iran meet New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood at 6pm local time (01:00 GMT on June 16). This will be their first meeting in a competitive match. Opta simulations give Iran the edge with a 53.8 percent win probability. Beyond the pitch, attention is being drawn to divisions within the Iranian American community in Los Angeles and the return of Haiti to the tournament following a 2-0 defeat to Scotland.