In one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup 2026 so far, Spain were held to a scoreless 0-0 draw by debutants Cape Verde at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, in their Group H opening match.
Making their first-ever World Cup appearance, Cape Verde faced the 2010 world champions and reigning Euro 2024 and Nations League winners. Most pundits expected a high-scoring blowout similar to Germany’s 7-1 thrashing of Curaçao, but the African nation defied all odds.
Spain’s manager Luis de la Fuente started the match without superstars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. Both wingers were left on the bench as part of a cautious medical recovery plan to limit their minutes and prevent any long-term injury relapses.
Instead, Ferran Torres, Gavi, and Mikel Oyarzabal led the La Roja attack. However, the trio endured a dismal first half; the Real Sociedad star, Oyarzabal, shockingly failed to register a single touch of the ball in the opening 30 minutes.
Cape Verde deployed a rigid, ultra-defensive strategy with minimal reliance on counter-attacks, rarely threatening Unai Simón’s goal. Meanwhile, Spain enjoyed near-absolute possession but struggled to break the deadlock, repeatedly thwarted by an inspired performance from Cape Verde’s veteran goalkeeper, Vozinha.
Yamal and Williams were subbed on in the closing stages in a desperate bid to spark creativity, but all of Spain’s late attempts proved futile, resulting in a deeply disappointing goalless draw.
What’s Next for Spain? The pressure shifts entirely to Spain’s second group match against Saudi Arabia. Anything less than a victory could severely jeopardize their chances of qualifying for the knockout rounds before facing Uruguay in their final group stage fixture.
