Spain 0-0 Cape Verde: debutants pull off the shock of the World Cup so far

Spain arrived at the 2026 World Cup as one of the favourites and left their opener with a single, deflating point. Held to a 0-0 draw by debutants Cape Verde at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, La Roja dominated the ball and the chances but could not solve an inspired goalkeeper and a disciplined defence.

Total control, no breakthrough

Spain owned the game — roughly 70% possession and a double-digit shot count — and camped inside the Cape Verde half for long stretches. What they lacked was the final touch. Rodri tested Vozinha early; Ferran Torres sent one clear chance straight at the keeper and later struck the crossbar, the rebound falling to Mikel Oyarzabal only for Vozinha to tip his header away. Dani Olmo picked out Oyarzabal again, but Sidny Lopes threw himself in front of the shot.

Vozinha the hero

If Spain had a nemesis, it was the Cape Verde goalkeeper. Vozinha produced save after save — comfortable when he could be, spectacular when he had to be — and a stop in stoppage time preserved the clean sheet. Even the introduction of teenager Lamine Yamal could not unlock the door. For a nation playing its first-ever World Cup match, holding a side of Spain's quality is a genuine landmark.

What it means for Group H

The point throws Group H open. Spain remain favourites to advance, but the draw is a warning — and a reminder that their biggest danger is impatience against a packed defence. Cape Verde, meanwhile, are off the mark on the grandest stage. Revisit the game on the match page or see the full schedule at matches.