Real Madrid World Cup Spotlight: Draws galore for Cucurella, Courtois and Fede Valverde | OneFootball

Real Madrid had another busy day at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with three players involved across three different group-stage matches.

Marc Cucurella started for Spain in their surprising 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, Thibaut Courtois was in goal as Belgium were held 1-1 by Egypt, and Fede Valverde captained Uruguay in their 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia.

It was a night of draws at the World Cup, with all four games petering out into stalemates.

Here is how the Real Madrid boys fared on the night for their respective nations.

Marc Cucurella vs Cape Verde

Cucurella impressed for Spain. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Real Madrid’s new signing, Cucurella, produced probably the cleanest individual performance of the three.

Spain were frustrated all night despite dominating the ball, but the left-back was one of the few players who gave their attack real width and purpose. La Roja finished with 74 percent possession, 27 shots, 2.16 xG and 47 touches in the Cape Verde box.

Cucurella added two key passes and created one big chance, which was exactly the kind of contribution Spain needed from the flank.

Cucurella put himself in good attacking areas and helped Spain stretch a stubborn low block, but Cape Verde’s defensive shape and Vozinha’s goalkeeping turned the night into a frustrating one.

Thibaut Courtois vs Egypt

Courtois did his bit for Belgium. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Courtois had a more uncomfortable opener. Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt in a game that exposed their defensive vulnerability, especially in transition.

Egypt had three shots on target and created two big chances, while Courtois was forced into important interventions to stop the Red Devils from falling further behind.

For Real Madrid fans, there was no major concern with Courtois himself. The problem was more with Belgium’s structure in front of him.

When a goalkeeper of his level is constantly being asked to rescue broken defensive situations, the team has already lost too much control.

Fede Valverde vs Saudi Arabia

Valverde was solid for Uruguay. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Valverde’s night was the most complicated to judge.

Uruguay dominated Saudi Arabia, finishing with 67 percent possession, 28 shots, 10 on target and 65 final-third entries, but still needed an 80th-minute Maxi Araujo equaliser to rescue a point.

As captain, Valverde kept pushing Uruguay forward, but this was not a performance where control became clarity.

Uruguay had territory, pressure and volume, but too many attacks became forced crosses and hurried shots.

Overall, it was a mixed Madrid day. Cucurella looked sharp, Courtois stayed reliable despite Belgium’s issues, and Valverde carried responsibility without getting the result Uruguay wanted.

It was not spectacular, but all three remain firmly worth watching as the tournament grows.