Published
Jun 16, 2026 at 01:54 AM EDT
Day 5 of the World Cup is over and done with, and we’ve now seen 32 nations play their first games of the tournament.
Usually, that would be where the first round would end, but with the new format, we still have 16 countries left to go over the next two days before moving on to everyone’s second matches.
On a day where there was a lot of action but no winners, with four draws in a row, it might have been difficult to pick three stars to stand above everyone else. Luckily, we had a trio of relative unknowns push their way to the front with some thrilling performances.
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Bronze Star: Emam Ashour (Egypt)
The Egyptians were heavy underdogs against Belgium on Monday, but they not only drew with the European giants but feel like they should have beaten them. It all started with the foot of Ashour, who was all around the field for Egypt, striking a goal to give them a lead that they held on to before Romelu Lukaku came off the bench. While Mohamed Salah will always be the focal point of this Egypt team at this tournament, Ashour made a strong case to be second-in-command to the king.
Silver Star: Elijah Just (New Zealand)
It was a game of a lifetime for New Zealand’s Just, who scored a brace against Iran to give his team a point in a group that he believes his team can make it through. His partnership with team ace Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest fame was on point, and though he didn’t do much attacking outside of putting the ball in the net, no one is going to complain about a winger that scores two goals in his opening game. He didn’t back down from physicality and showed a true finishing touch that will be needed if New Zealand want to win their first-ever World Cup game this tournament.
Gold Star: Josimar “Vozinha” Dias (Cape Verde)
It couldn’t be anyone else but Vozinha, right?
He made seven gigantic saves against the European champions Spain, kept Cape Verde’s backline in check, and didn’t flinch once facing down the likes of Lamine Yamal or Pedri. More than just the stops he made, it was how the 40-year-old veteran kept his team believing in themselves when maybe no one watching did.
Also, he gained five million social media followers in a single day, and still growing rapidly. If you gain that many followers in a day, I’m giving you the top of the podium.
