World Cup: Uruguay battle back and more
Coverage of the World Cup on Ligue1.com continues with a roundup of Monday's two late matches -- Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay and Iran vs. New Zealand.
Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay
With Saud Abdulhamid of RC Lens in the eleven, the Saudi side claimed a vital point in Miami in Group H. Uruguay, which started former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte and were led by former Marseille manager Marcelo Bielsa, had conceded the opener to the Saudis on 41 minutes. This was despite the South Americans dominating possession, and missing several gilt-edged chances, as well as having a shout for a penalty waved away on 20 minutes.
It looked as if La Celeste would rue their profligacy, but Sporting Club winger Maxi Araujo popped up with an equalizer ten minutes from time, beating Saudi 'keeper Mohammed al-Owais from close range. Next up for Uruguay is a match against surprise package Cape Verde on Sunday, again in Miami, while the Saudis take on Spain in Atlanta, with all four sides eager to get their first win on the books.
Time to shine for Saud and Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/zxyJy9GKSH
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) June 15, 2026
Iran 2-2 New Zealand
For as plodding as Saudi Arabia-Uruguay had been, Iran's match against New Zealand in Group G was equally as thrilling, with Iran twice coming from a goal down to snatch a point against the All Whites. Former Amiens midfielder Saman Ghoddos started in midfield for the Iranians, while AS Saint-Étienne winger Ben Old came off the bench for New Zealand, playing the final half hour.
New Zealand took an early lead through Eli Just, the Motherwell winger having been set up by veteran forward Chris Wood in a classically route one goal. Mehdi Taremi would lead the Iranian response, stinging the post with an effort from range, but it would be Ramin Rezaiean who would level the match ten minutes before the interval, with Ghoddos playing a key role in the buildup.
The second half unspooled much like the first, with Just scoring on 55 minutes, but Iran responding, with Rezaiean playing provider for Mohammad Mohebbi (64'). From there, both sides pushed hard for a winner, but the match would end level.
