Spain vs Cabo Verde
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
A. Makhadmeh
2026
Match Report
In one of the biggest early surprises of the 2026 World Cup, Spain were held to a goalless draw by debutants Cape Verde at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha the undisputed hero of the night.
There were no goals, but no shortage of drama. Ferran Torres struck the crossbar, and Mikel Oyarzabal's follow-up header was brilliantly tipped over by Vozinha. The veteran keeper then denied Marc Cucurella from close range in the 83rd minute. Cape Verde even fashioned their own late scare, forcing Spain to scramble at the back in the 89th. No red cards, no penalties — just 90 minutes of Spanish frustration.
The single point is a sobering return for Spain, ranked second in the world and expected to cruise through Group H alongside Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. For Cape Verde — who edged out Cameroon in African qualifying just to get here — sharing the spoils with Spain on their first-ever World Cup appearance is already a moment for the history books.
Match Events
Statistics
74%Possession26%
27Shots6
7Shots on Target1
11Corners1
10Fouls1
2Offsides3
1Yellow Cards1
801Passes279
1Saves7
Head to Head
0
Spain wins
1
Draws
0
Cabo Verde wins
Goals: 0 - 0

