FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE updates: Saudi Arabia take on Uruguay, underdogs Egypt and Cape Verde stun Belgium and Spain

Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez may have scored the goals, but a duck stole the show.

As Mexico celebrated their opening World Cup victory against South Africa on Thursday, Merlin, a two-year-old duck dressed in the national team’s colours, became an unlikely internet sensation and the tournament’s first unofficial mascot.

Images of Merlin parading through Mexico City, wearing a Mexican national team jersey – and socks – as thousands of fans celebrated, quickly went viral, racking up millions of views across social media. Overnight, and as if by the magic of the famous wizard who inspired his name, Merlin had captivated the internet.

“We want to see Merlin in the stadium,” one user wrote. “This duck is already a national treasure,” said another. “The best thing about the World Cup so far,” declared a third.

Al-Amri goes into the book just before the end of regulation time for a knee to Araujo’s head, before the Uruguayan’s free kick is dealt with. But he utilises four minutes of added time to race off down the other end and force Al-Owais into a save. Turned out the Saudi keeper didn’t have to move because the offside flag has been raised.

Uruguay have the edge in the half-time stats but, honestly, this match has so far offered less than the others of the morning.

Al-Amri taps home from close range, recycling a rebound after Muslera had no choice but to punch forward a Tambakti header off a Saudi corner.

This is the country’s 20th World Cup match and only the fourth time they’ve scored first.

It’s hard luck on Muslera, who just three minutes ago made a marvellous diving save to stop another shot from Al-Amri.

Saudi Arabia 1-0 Uruguay, 41 minutes

Australian referee Shaun Evans has been cleared by FIFA after he was accused of making a ‘white power’ gesture during the World Cup broadcast yesterday, according to The Athletic.

The broadcast cut to Evans alongside two colleagues in a video assistant referees’ booth, where he could be seen making an upside-down “OK” sign against his thigh.

The gesture has traditionally been used to signify approval, but has been adopted by sections of the far right in recent years.

However, as reported by The Athletic, Evans has been cleared of any wrongdoing after it was determined that the gesture did not breach FIFA’s disciplinary code.

As we mentioned earlier, Evans said he did not intentionally make a discriminatory gesture, and said it was an involuntary twitch.

It’s in a dangerous area for Uruguay, and it’s against the run of play – Uruguay have really got their arses into gear since the hydration break. They received quite a talking to from Bielsa after 25 minutes of offering very little, and have duly taken hold of possession and the contest, forcing the Saudis back into their own half.

Al-Juwayr stands over the dead ball and tries to trick Muslera into thinking he’s going to have it hard and fast. Instead he takes it delicately, but Muslera punches away.

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Uruguay, 37 minutes

Nothing memorable has occurred in the opening 25 minutes between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Uruguay appealed for a penalty when a Caceres shot clipped Tambakti on the hand. The referee isn’t having it, though, given Tambakti’s arm was down and not in an unnatural position.

Saudi Arabia v Uruguay, 25 minutes

The anthems have been sung and the teams have broken away from their line-ups for official photos and huddles. Bielsa is already stalking his technical area like some sort of badass honey badger. A “toxic” honey badger, if you were to ask the Uruguay manager himself. But he does have this side set up slightly more pragmatically than your typical Bielsa approach. Let’s see if that plays out. The whistle has blown as the match is under way. Peep pe-peep peeeeeeeeep.