Spain fails to beat Cape Verde in World Cup opener
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 7:38 PM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Spain drew 0-0 against Cape Verde in their World Cup opener in Atlanta on June 16, 2026. Despite dominating possession, Spain could not break through Cape Verde's defense, which was anchored by goalkeeper Vozinha. Mikel Merino acknowledged the team's disappointment but remained confident about their chances in the tournament, emphasizing the need to focus on upcoming matches against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Spain is looking to secure a place in the knockout stage, with all teams in Group H currently tied on one point after the Saudi Arabia-Uruguay match ended in a draw.
- •Spain draws 0-0 against Cape Verde in World Cup opener
- •Mikel Merino addresses the team's disappointment
- •All four teams in Group H are tied on one point
- •Spain's next match is against Saudi Arabia
- •Lamine Yamal adds energy to Spain's attack as a substitute
- 8:28 PMESPN Soccer — Merino: Spain 'mourning' after Cape Verde draw
- 6:20 PMYahoo Sports — Spain must put Cape Verde World Cup 'grief' behind them, says Merino
"Mikel Merino said Spain have to react to the "grief" of failing to beat debutants Cape Verde in their World Cup opener, but is confident the European champions are still contenders to win the competition.Since winning the competition for the first time in 2010, Spain have won just three of their last 12 World Cup games.
"Mikel Merino said World Cup favourites Spain are "dealing with the mourning" after their shock draw with underdogs Cape Verde in their opening game.
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerJun 16, 2026, 8:28 PMMerino: Spain 'mourning' after Cape Verde draw
Mikel Merino said World Cup favourites Spain are "dealing with the mourning" after their shock draw with underdogs Cape Verde in their opening game.
- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 6:20 PMSpain must put Cape Verde World Cup 'grief' behind them, says Merino
Mikel Merino said Spain have to react to the "grief" of failing to beat debutants Cape Verde in their World Cup opener, but is confident the European champions are still contenders to win the competition.Since winning the competition for the first time in 2010, Spain have won just three of their last 12 World Cup games.
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