+ Group H: Spain–Cape Verde, Monday, 6:00 PM
Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
SVT/P4 Radio Sport
+ Injured Spanish stars
Lamine Yamal, 18, is set to play in the World Cup. This was confirmed by national team captain Luis de la Fuente earlier this week. In addition to Barcelona's teenage star, Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, 23, and Osasuna's Víctor Muñoz, 22, also suffered injuries at the end of the club season. But all look set to play in the opening match.
+ Group G: Belgium–Egypt, Monday, 9:00 PM
Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington
SVT/P4 Radio Sport
+ The veterans' new fight
Kevin De Bruyne, 34, and Mohamed Salah, 33, personified the rivalry between big clubs Manchester City and Liverpool for several Premier League seasons. Now the veterans are pitted against each other again – in the colours of their home countries. De Bruyne, who plays for Manchester City, leads a fading, golden generation that has yet to win any gold at senior level, but did win a bronze at the 2018 World Cup. Egypt's hopes largely rest with Salah – despite his lack of playing time and injury problems during his final season at Liverpool.
+ Group H: Saudi Arabia–Uruguay, Tuesday, 00:00
Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
TV4/P4 Radio Sport
+ Uruguay's hope – despite a difficult debut season
Darwin Núñez left Liverpool to join Saudi Arabian side al-Hilal. The 26-year-old Uruguayan's debut season in the Pro League saw him play just under half of the league's matches, 16 out of 34, and score six goals. Al-Hilal finished second in the league behind Cristiano Ronaldo's al-Nassr and missed out on the league title for the second year in a row. There have been rumours that Núñez could be on his way back to Liverpool this summer, but Barcelona are also said to be interested. The striker will first lead Uruguay in the World Cup.
+ Group G: Iran–New Zealand, Tuesday, 3:00 AM
Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California
TV4
+ Being flown in because of the war
Iran's participation in the World Cup has been far from normal, and at one point was in doubt. The country is at war with the United States and Israel. At the same time, the national football team will play its three group matches in the United States. Due to the war, Iran has had to set up its World Cup base in Tijuana, Mexico, instead of Tucson, Arizona, and will fly in only to play the group matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
