Spain v Cape Verde
Spain frustrated by heroic Cape Verde in World Cup opener
Cape Verde pulled off the shock of the 2026 World Cup so far as they held European champions Spain to a battling goalless draw in their Group H opener in Atlanta.
Despite seeing plenty of possession in the first half, Luis de la Fuente's team -- who started with Lamine Yamal on the bench -- were unable to break down a determined Cape Verde defence, as Ferran Torres hit the crossbar from close range.
Veteran Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha produced a fine reaction save to deny Torres and then tipped away Aymeric Laporte's glancing header from a corner as the World Cup debutants got into half-time on level terms.
Yamal -- who had been out since April with a hamstring problem and missed the final weeks of Barcelona's LaLiga-winning campaign -- was eventually sent on with 20 minutes left, but Spain could not find a way past Vozinha as the Blue Sharks held out for a famous result.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Adham Mohammad
FIFA World Cup Standings
| Team | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Cape Verde | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Uruguay | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Saudi Arabia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |

