Today at the 2026 FIFA World Cup: June 21

By Deniss Novickis | Published: June 21, 2026, 11:23

Spain are searching for their first win, while Vozinha is ready to play another excellent game for Cape Verde. Group G should become clearer after this Matchday, as all four teams are now level on one point after the first matches. MightyTips presents a World Cup value bet of the day and a risky parlay of the day, shares a prediction on all games of the Matchday, and has some interesting facts about the tournament.

Match 38: Spain - Saudi Arabia, 18:00 CET, June 21
Match 39: Belgium - Iran, 21:00 CET, June 21
Match 37: Uruguay - Cape Verde, 00:00 CET, June 22
Match 40: New Zealand - Egypt, 03:00 CET, June 22

Spain received plenty of criticism for their opening match against Cape Verde, which ended goalless. They are no longer the favourites to win the tournament, now sitting second behind France at 7.00. However, Spain’s key wingers Lamine Yamal and Niko WIlliams only entered the game late on, and they didn’t have much time to show themselves. Both are ready to play from the off, and this is a must-win game for the European champions. With all respect to Saudi Arabia, they will need a miracle to earn points here. Spain winning both halves at 1.80 is an excellent option.

Spain head into their second Group H match looking to build momentum after a frustrating goalless draw with Cape Verde. The main talking point is the fitness of teenage star Lamine Yamal, while winger Nico Williams is also managing fitness concerns, but both should be ready to play. Spain still boast plenty of creativity and possession quality, but converting chances could be a key focus after drawing a blank in their opener. Saudi Arabia earned a valuable 1-1 draw against Uruguay and will again rely on their disciplined defensive structure, quick transitions and experienced leaders such as Salem Al-Dawsari to test the Spanish back line.

With all four Group G teams level on one point, this is one of the most significant matches of the second round. Belgium were underwhelming in their 1-1 draw with Egypt and will be looking for a stronger display from Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Romelu Lukaku made an impact off the bench in the opener but was not yet considered fit enough to start. Iran showed resilience in a 2-2 draw with New Zealand and remain heavily reliant on Mehdi Taremi's attacking threat. Squad-wise, Iran have a few fitness concerns, with Saman Ghoddos and captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh both facing late assessments. Off the field, Iran have also had to contend with travel restrictions that have complicated their tournament preparations.

This Group H encounter features two sides encouraged by opening-match draws. Uruguay shared the points with Saudi Arabia and will expect their experienced core to take greater control here, particularly in midfield and attack. Cape Verde, meanwhile, continue to enjoy a historic first World Cup appearance and impressed by holding Spain to a scoreless draw. Their compact defensive shape and collective organisation frustrated one of the tournament favourites, and they will aim to repeat that formula. Key figures include veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, winger Ryan Mendes and striker Dailon Livramento. A positive result would further enhance Cape Verde's remarkable World Cup story.

Both nations enter this match seeking what would be their first World Cup victory after opening draws left Group G finely balanced. New Zealand came close against Iran, with Elijah Just scoring twice in an entertaining 2-2 draw, while experienced striker Chris Wood remains their focal point in attack. Egypt earned a credible point against Belgium and continue to look toward Mohamed Salah for inspiration, although coach Hossam Hassan has stressed the importance of a broader team contribution. Egypt's defensive record in qualification was excellent, while New Zealand's confidence has grown after matching Iran. With every team in the group level on points, the outcome could have a major impact on qualification hopes heading into the final round of fixtures.

At 40, Vozinha has become the face of Cape Verde’s historic first World Cup campaign. The veteran shot-stopper, whose real name is Josimar Dias, has been a fixture of the national team since 2012 and is among the most-capped players in Cape Verde history, serving as captain and helping guide the Blue Sharks to their maiden World Cup. His global breakthrough came in Cape Verde’s opening match against Spain, when he produced a remarkable seven-save display to secure a famous 0-0 draw and earn Player of the Match honours. The performance turned him into an overnight social-media sensation. After starting the tournament with around 30,000 Instagram followers, his audience exploded to more than 14 million within days as fans around the world celebrated his underdog story.

Football is such a beautiful game.

Before this World Cup, very few people knew about Vozinha. But after watching his passion and love for the game, millions have fallen in love with him.

Now, all we want is to see him meet his mother on the pitch and give her a proud hug ❤️⚽ pic.twitter.com/dahGpqYKws

— Saffron Sniper (@Saffron_Sniper1) June 19, 2026

On June 21, 1970, Brazil defeated Italy 4-1 in Mexico City to win their third World Cup. The match is widely regarded as one of the greatest finals ever played and cemented Brazil's legendary team, featuring Pelé, as one of the finest sides in football history.