The World Cup saw its first major shock during a day of drama as a manager was sacked while Cape Verde held Spain to a draw in their first ever clash on the biggest stage
07:52, 16 Jun 2026
Darwin Nunez has been linked to Liverpool
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Darwin Nunez has been linked to Liverpool(Image: Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images/Shutterstock)
The World Cup had its first real shock on Monday as Cape Verde managed to hold Spain for a draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The third smallest nation to ever qualify for a World Cup stunned the footballing world as Vozinha, 40, put in one of the all-time great performances on the biggest stage. And it was a day of draws in North America as Belgium and Egypt and Saudi Arabia and Uruguay played out draws.
Iran also managed to claim a draw against New Zealand, despite protests ahead of their match and boos during their national anthem. Daily Star Sport rounds up all the daily news from the festival of football.
Manager shock
Sabri Lamouchi was sacked on Monday
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Sabri Lamouchi was sacked on Monday
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Tunisia appear poised to name Harve Renard as manager, despite removing their announcement that Sabri Lamouchi had been dismissed.
The African nation is taking swift action after their opening loss to Sweden at the World Cup. On Monday, they posted a statement on ex-Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City head coach Lamouchi's departure before appearing to backtrack.
On Instagram, they said in Arabic: "An agreement has been officially reached to dismiss coach Sabri Lamouchi. Plans are underway to appoint Mondher Kebaier as the national team coach (on an interim basis) to complete the World Cup qualifying matches."
Iran boos
Mehdi Taremi (9) of Iran has hit out at the treatment of his country at this summer's World Cup.
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Iran's national anthem was booed(Image: (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images))
Iran's national anthem was greeted with jeers from certain sections of the crowd at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Iran had not even been anticipated to participate in these finals when co-hosts the United States, alongside Israel, initiated a bombing campaign back in February.
While a peace agreement may have ultimately been brokered on Sunday, the run-up to the match only highlighted the complexities and deeply divided views surrounding the team's participation in the tournament.
The anthem was met with noticeable booing within the stadium, yet just moments earlier, loud cheers had echoed around when footage of the squad in the tunnel was shown on the giant screens overhead, with the team also receiving vocal backing once the game commenced.
Gun celebration
Mohammad Mohebi has been accused of a 'gun celebration'
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Mohammad Mohebi defended the celebration(Image: 2026 Shaun Clark/ISI Photos)
Iran's goalscorer Mohammad Mohebi is facing accusations of performing a 'gun celebration' during his country's draw against New Zealand. Mohebi netted in the 64th minute to secure a draw for his team in their opening World Cup match.
The 27-yea- old midfielder has attracted criticism for his celebration, which involved placing two fingers towards his arm, then extending two fingers on his right hand and waving them in the air.
He declined to discuss it after the game. "It's something political (his goal celebration)," he said. "I don't want to talk about that. We are here to answer football questions. If there is a problem between us (the Iranian people), it is between us."
Darwin Nunez's nightmare
Darwin Nunez struggled on Monday
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Darwin Nunez struggled on Monday(Image: Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images/Shutterstock)
Darwin Nunez, who has been linked with a sensational return to Liverpool, was hooked at half-time during Uruguay's opener with Saudi Arabia.
The South American side found themselves behind at half-time and ex-Leeds United Marcelo Bielsa decided to hook the Reds flop.
Nunez endured a nightmare first half, completing just three passes and having eight touches before he was taken off the pitch.
Mohamed Salah's fury
Mohamed Salah appeared furious
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Mohamed Salah appeared furious(Image: John Carusi/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock)
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Mohamed Salah didn't appear particularly pleased about being substituted during their clash with Belgium on Monday.
However, Egypt manager Hossam Hassan stood by his choice: "We do not rely on a single player but on a collective 26," he said.
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"Salah, Marmoush, they give it their all, they were really, really giving everything with their ferocious transitions."