Salah inspires Egypt's first-ever World Cup win as Saka returns to England training

Mohamed Salah marked his first World Cup appearance with a goal and an assist as Egypt claimed their maiden World Cup victory, defeating New Zealand 3-1 in Group G to move to the top of the standings. The 32-year-old, who recently departed Liverpool, dragged the Pharaohs back into the contest after they fell behind, and Egypt ultimately ran out convincing winners to set up a Friday showdown with Iran that could seal their place in the knockout rounds.

England received a timely boost ahead of their second group game against Ghana as Bukayo Saka returned to full training with Thomas Tuchel’s squad. The Arsenal winger had seen his involvement limited by injury in the tournament’s early stages, and his participation in the session raised hopes he could feature as the Three Lions look to secure maximum points and advance from their group.

Iran’s group-stage campaign was again overshadowed by events off the pitch in Los Angeles, where the national anthem was booed by sections of the crowd before kick-off. Captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh addressed the incident publicly, as the team continues to face scrutiny amid ongoing political tensions surrounding the country.

Belgium laboured to a goalless draw and drew sharp criticism from former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane, who described the performance as “rubbish.” Jeremy Doku missed the match with a chest infection, and the Belgium and Manchester City winger remained a source of controversy off the field. L’Equipe presenter France Pierron publicly criticised Doku over his expected absence for the birth of his first child, though reports indicate she has since been suspended for her comments.

Uruguay were held to a draw by Cape Verde in a result that will concern Marcelo Bielsa. The South Americans twice led after coming from behind to overturn Kevin Pina’s long-range free-kick, only to concede an equaliser through Helio Varela following a calamitous defensive lapse. Darwin Nunez, who has been linked with a return to Liverpool, struggled to impose himself and could not prevent Uruguay from dropping points against one of the tournament’s smaller nations.