Favourites Spain flopped against debutants Cape Verde

The first major upset of the 2026 World Cup has arrived. European champions Spain, one of the tournament's biggest favourites, were held to a goalless draw by African debutants Cape Verde in Atlanta in their Group H opener.

World Cup

2026

• #
  Team
  P
  Pts
• #
  Team
  P
  Pts
• 1

  

  Uruguay

  1

  1
  1

  

  Uruguay

  1

  1
• 2

  

  Saudi Arabia

  1

  1
  2

  

  Saudi Arabia

  1

  1
• 3

  

  Spain

  1

  1
  3

  

  Spain

  1

  1
• 4

  

  Cape Verde

  1

  1
  4

  

  Cape Verde

  1

  1

Play-offs

Possible play-offs

Luis de la Fuente made some eyebrow-raising selection calls, starting Unai Simon in goal ahead of David Raya and Joan Garcia, and preferring Marcos Llorente at right back over Pedro Porro. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams both started on the bench due to recent injuries, with Gavi taking the left wing role and Ferran Torres on the right, behind striker Mikel Oyarzabal. Pedri, captain Rodri and Fabian Ruiz made up the midfield three.

Spain dominated possession and created chances throughout, with Torres hitting the crossbar in the 39th minute and goalkeeper Vozinha making several key saves. However, the Spaniards were repeatedly let down by poor finishing and a resolute Cape Verde defensive block that refused to buckle despite sustained pressure. Yamal came on in the second half but even his introduction couldn't unlock the stubborn African side.

Cape Verde, set up in a 4-2-3-1 by coach Bubista, were organised and dangerous on the counter, with Jovane Cabral and Ryan Mendes causing occasional problems. The result is the first 0-0 of this World Cup and leaves Group H wide open.

Spain XI: Simon; Llorente, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian, Pedri; Torres, Oyarzabal, Gavi
Cape Verde XI: Vozinha; Moreira, Lopez, Dineyi, S. Cabral; L. Duarte, K. Pina; J. Cabral, Monteiro, Mendes; Livramento