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Record draws and Europe's slow start - is the World Cup lacking jeopardy?
Key takeaways
- Eight of the 16 matches at this year's World Cup have ended level
- Draws have been the defining feature of the opening week of the 2026 World Cup.
- It marked the first time since 15 June 1958 that four World Cup matches on a single day had all finished without a winner.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Eight of the 16 matches at this year's World Cup have ended level
Draws have been the defining feature of the opening week of the 2026 World Cup.
Monday's quartet of fixtures all ended level, with Spain held 0-0 by Cape Verde, Belgium drawing 1-1 with Egypt, Saudi Arabia sharing a 1-1 result with Uruguay and Iran playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw with New Zealand. It marked the first time since 15 June 1958 that four World Cup matches on a single day had all finished without a winner.
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