The teams that are ranked 61st, 67th and 85th in FIFA's world rankings all were heavy underdogs in their first matches at the World Cup.They all played Monday. None of them won. None of them lost, either.Through five days and 16 matches of soccer's biggest extravaganza ever, the underdogs are proving to be very tough to beat. All four matches on Monday ended in ties the most in a single day of men's World Cup play since 1958 and all of them technically could be considered upsets as well.The biggest win (that wasn't a win) of all saw Cape Verde ranked No. 67 and in its World Cup debut hold No. 2 Spain, a favorite to win the whole thing, 0-0 in what easily has been the biggest shocker of the tournament to this point.It means everything, said Cape Verde coach Pedro Leito Brito, who simply goes by Bubista.The other Monday results: No. 85 New Zealand, the lowest-ranked team out of the 48 qualifiers entering the World Cup, tied No. 20 Iran 2-2. No. 61 Saudi Arabia tied No. 16 Uruguay 1-1. No. 29 Egypt tied No. 9 Belgium 1-1.For Monday's underdogs, the ties were a pretty big deal. But even they knew what the Cape Verde score meant in the grand scheme of things.The draw involving Spain, Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis said, may be the biggest surprise in this World Cup. Four years ago, the Saudis opened with a shocking win over eventual champion Argentina.The World Cup isn't like the NCAA tournament. Nobody is eliminated or assured of advancing no matter the outcome of their first match. But if this event was more like March Madness, it's certain that plenty of brackets would already be busted.Spain was -1500 to beat Cape Verde according to odds posted just before the match started Monday. Those are overwhelming odds, ones that mean bettors would have had to wager $1,500 just to profit $100. And oddsmakers in Las Vegas said Spain was picked to win in a slew of parlays, all of which were quickly doomed.This shows how difficult it is to play (the first game) in a World Cup, Uruguay's Maxi Arajo said. We've seen that they are difficult not only in our group, but in many groups.He's right. And there's not much margin of error now in Groups F and H.Teams are guaranteed three group-stage matches at the World Cup, one against each of the other three teams in their group. The top two finishers in each of the 12 groups are assured of reaching the knockout stage; the eight best third-place teams also will advance.But in Group F (New Zealand, Iran, Belgium and Egypt) and Group H (Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Cape Verde), everyone has exactly one point with two matches left. Teams get three points for a win, no points for a loss.A lot of positives to build on, New Zealands Elijah Just said.The upsets-that-were-ties trend didn't start Monday. There were two other significant ones earlier in the tournament: No. 56 Qatar tied No. 19 Switzerland 1-1, and No. 64 Bosnia and Herzegovina tied No. 30 Canada 1-1.Through the first 16 matches, eight ended in ties. The other two weren't exactly of the shocking variety: No. 18 Japan was a slight underdog going into its 2-2 tie with No. 8 Netherlands, and No. 6 Brazil and No. 7 Morocco as would be expected, given how close they are in the world rankings tied their opening match 1-1.There's been only one match through Monday where a team was 10 or more spots below its opponent in the FIFA world rankings going in and won: No. 33 Ivory Coast beating No. 23 Ecuador 1-0.Not exactly a shocker. But some of these ties would qualify as such.Football is like that, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said. There are no small opponents here.___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are among the soccer royalty gracing the World Cup in North America.If you want real-life aristocracy, head to Swedens squad.Gustaf Lagerbielke, a 26-year-old defender who played the entire match in Swedens 5-1 defeat of Tunisia on Sunday, is a baron from a noble family in Sweden. His father and grandfather are counts.Soccer players typically come from modest backgrounds take Messi and Ronaldo, for example.Not Lagerbielke.I mean, its rare, he said in an interview ahead of the World Cup.Lagerbielke grew up in Djursholm, a wealthy suburb in the Swedish capital, Stockholm. When he played soccer as a kid, he says he had the familys coat of arms on his shin pads.When I was kid, I wanted to become a professional footballer, Lagerbielke said after Sunday's match in Monterrey. They have taught me goals. They are very happy for me and very proud.Lagerbielkes heritage has been a talking point throughout a career that has taken him from Sweden (AIK, Sollentuna, Vsters, Elfsborg and Degerfors) to Scotland (Celtic) and now Portugal.Sections of the British media reported he was 254th in line to the Swedish throne, though Lagerbielke said I dont know if its true.But I think for it to happen, he added, a lot of people need to go away. And I dont want that to happen.For now, Lagerbielke just wants to help Sweden become the king of soccer at the World Cup.To have one of the biggest wins in Swedish history at the World Cup, its amazing," he said.__Ethan Wilcox is a student in the University of Georgias Carmical Sports Media Institute.___Douglas reported from Sundsvall, Sweden.___AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup

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France and Senegal renew their historic World Cup rivalry in East Rutherford, 24 years after Senegals famous 2002 opening-day shock. Kylian Mbapp leads France after a prolific qualification campaign, while Sadio Man returns fully fit after missing 2022. Both unbeaten in qualifying, the sides meet in a high-stakes Group I opener featuring two of footballs defining modern forwards.

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This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more aboutSports Betting on FOX Sports. FanDuel has you covered for one of the most exciting match days of the World Cup so far. New users can get $350 in bonus bets guaranteed when you bet $5 every day for seven days. France vs. Senegal kicks off the action, with Kylian Mbapp and tournament favorite France beginning their quest for the trophy. Later, Lionel Messi and defending champion Argentina take on Algeria, while Erling Haaland and Norway also hit the pitch in a massive day for soccer fans. From France's title ambitions to Argentina's defense of the crown, today's action is just the start of another unforgettable chapter. Bet $5 every day for seven days and lock in $350 in bonus bets guaranteed as the World Cup drama unfolds. Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed when you bet $5 every day for 7 days. France vs. Senegal *Odds are subject to change* Moneyline How to Watch France vs. Senegal Players to Watch on France Kylian Mbapp remains the centerpiece of France's squad after captaining the team following the 2022 World Cup. The 2018 World Cup winner claimed the Golden Boot in 2022 with eight goals, including a hat trick in the final, and enters 2026 needing just five goals to surpass Miroslav Klose's record of 16 career World Cup goals. Ousmane Dembl is coming off a sensational run with Paris Saint-Germain, winning the Ballon d'Or in 2025 after helping PSG capture the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France titles. William Saliba has emerged as a cornerstone of France's defense since debuting in 2022. The Arsenal center back has featured at the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 while establishing himself as one of the national team's most trusted defenders. Argentina vs. Algeria *Odds are subject to change* Moneyline How to Watch Argentina vs. Algeria Players to Watch on Argentina Does Lionel Messi have another magical run for his nation? Messi still has game-changing abilities and experience of how to win. Lautaro Martnez is expected to lead the attack, while Julin lvarez provides versatility and creativity across the frontline. In midfield, Rodrigo De Paul serves as the team's engine with his energy, ball progression, and leadership in big moments. Emiliano Martnez remains one of the world's top goalkeepers, renowned for his performances under pressure and his ability to excel in penalty shootouts.