Cape Verde holds Spain to goalless draw in World Cup opener

Spain’s goalless draw with Cape Verde looked like one of the great World Cup shocks at first glance, but the result fits a longer pattern that has followed La Roja for decades. Cape Verde were making their World Cup debut in Atlanta, while Spain arrived with the reputation of a European heavyweight.

Spain and Cabo Verde tied 0-0 in a FIFA World Cup match in Atlanta, marking the first major upset of the tournament. Cabo Verde shocks the world.

ATLANTA — European champions Spain were held to a surprising 0-0 draw by World Cup newcomers Cape Verde on Monday, as the African nation earned a historic point in its first-ever FIFA World Cup match and delivered one of the biggest shocks of the tournament so far.

Spain were held to a 0-0 draw by 64th-ranked Cape Verde on Monday in the first major shock of the World Cup group stages.

Spain 0-0 Cape Verde: The European champions were held to a draw by the World Cup debutants

One of the most shocking results in the first round of 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage matches came on Monday in Atlanta as defending European champions Spain were held to a 0-0 draw by debutants Cape Verde.

Spain 0-0 Cape Verde: The reigning European champions stumbled to a goalless draw in Atlanta

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.

Spain came in as World Cup favorites, but couldn't find the net against tiny Cape Verde.

Cape Verde pulled off one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history as the African debutants held tournament favourites Spain to a goalless draw in Atlanta.