2026 World Cup highlights: European teams’ performance on day 11

The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is moving forward as the second round of group stage matches begins to reveal which nations will progress. Among the 48 competing teams, 16 represent Europe, each fighting for a spot in the knockout phase.

Following a disappointing result against Cape Verde, Spain bounced back with a dominant 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, France, two-time champions and recent finalists, are preparing for their second group match against Iraq, scheduled for Monday at 23:00.

Key statistics from the tournament

27.2

This is the average age of the players across the sixteen European squads. Bosnia-Herzegovina boasts the youngest roster with an average of 26 years. At the other end of the spectrum, Scotland has the most veteran squad, averaging 28.7 years of age.

Quotes from the field

“I don’t have much to criticize my players for, other than our lack of clinical finishing. It’s a bit of a ‘diesel’ start to the World Cup. At least we know exactly what we need to do against New Zealand.” — Rudi Garcia, Belgium coach.

Belgium is currently struggling to find its rhythm. After a draw with Egypt, the Red Devils were held to a 0-0 tie by Iran. With Egypt winning their latest match, Belgium no longer controls the top spot in the group. They must now secure a convincing win against New Zealand and hope for a favorable result in the Iran vs Egypt clash.

Recent match results

• Spain 4 – 0 Saudi Arabia
• Belgium 0 – 0 Iran
• Uruguay 2 – 2 Cape Verde
• New Zealand 1 – 3 Egypt

The Ballon d’Or challenge

A curious trend has persisted for the last seven World Cups: no reigning Ballon d’Or winner has managed to win the trophy the following year. Ousmane Dembélé, the 2025 Ballon d’Or recipient and Paris Saint-Germain star, is looking to break this streak with France as they face Iraq in Philadelphia. History shows that even legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Owen fell short of this double achievement, while Karim Benzema was forced to withdraw from the 2022 tournament due to injury just days before the start.

European spotlight: Lamine Yamal

Spain’s performance reached a new level with Lamine Yamal on the pitch. Despite managing a minor thigh injury, the 18-year-old Barcelona prodigy earned his first World Cup start against Saudi Arabia. He made an immediate impact by scoring just ten minutes into the game. To manage his fitness, he was substituted at halftime, but his return is a clear warning to Spain’s future opponents. He will celebrate his 19th birthday on July 13, just as the tournament reaches its climax.