Cape Verde holds Spain to goalless draw in World Cup opener

10 sources2 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 8:03 PM

Last updated Jun 15, 2026

Cape Verde holds Spain to goalless draw in World Cup opener
Summary

Cape Verde and Spain played to a 0-0 draw in their World Cup group stage match on June 15 in Atlanta. Spain controlled possession and registered 27 shots but could not find the net against Cape Verde's strong defensive display. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha had a standout performance, saving all seven shots on target. Despite their efforts, Spain failed to capitalize, marking a surprising start to their World Cup campaign.

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Status Watch
  • Spain controlled the match but did not score.
  • Vozinha made seven crucial saves for Cape Verde.
  • This was Cape Verde's first match in World Cup history.
  • Spain, the reigning European champions, are ranked third by FIFA.
  • Cape Verde ranks 64th in FIFA standings.
Latest Updates
  • 8:03 PMYahoo SportsSpain stunned by World Cup debutants Cape Verde in scoreless draw
  • 7:03 PMESPNCape Verde blanks Spain in shocking WC draw
  • 7:01 PMYahoo SportsHow Cape Verde pulled off an astonishing and unexpected draw with Spain
  • 6:24 PMYahoo SportsHow tiny Cape Verde compares to Spain in FIFA rankings, population size and more about World Cup upset
  • 6:15 PMYahoo SportsSpain stunned as debutants Cape Verde earn battling point in World Cup shock
  • 6:11 PMYahoo SportsWorld Cup minnows Cape Verde stun Spain in goalless stalemate
  • 5:58 PMYahoo SportsWorld Cup: Cape Verde stuns, Spain falters in 0-0 draw
What they're saying
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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.

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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.

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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.

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