Cape Verde hold European champions Spain in stunning World Cup debut

Cape Verde produced the result of the 2026 World Cup so far on Monday, holding European champions and world number one-ranked Spain to a goalless draw in what stands as the greatest achievement in the archipelago nation’s footballing history.

A side drawn largely from lower-tier leagues around the world delivered a defensive masterclass that belied their status as one of the competition’s lowest-ranked debutants. The moment that captured it all: 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha in tears on the final whistle.

For Spain, it was a deeply uncomfortable evening. Luis de la Fuente’s side looked complacent from the off, grew visibly frustrated before half-time, and became increasingly desperate as Cape Verde’s resolve held firm. The performance drew uncomfortable comparisons to England’s most listless displays under Roy Hodgson.

The mitigating factor for Spain is significant, however. Both of their most dangerous attacking players — Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams — were absent from the starting line-up after finishing last season with hamstring injuries. Yamal came on with 20 minutes remaining; Williams only entered in the 87th minute. Getting both fit to start will be a priority.

Spain can also draw on historical precedent. They lost their opening game of the 2010 World Cup 1-0 to Switzerland before winning every subsequent match to lift the trophy. The group stage offers room to recover — but the performance will demand a response.

Elsewhere on day five, Belgium and Egypt played out a 1-1 draw in Seattle that generated more debate off the pitch than on it. The timing of a second-half hydration break drew criticism from some pundits, though the heat conditions in Seattle — where a general heat advisory was in effect — made the break a necessity rather than a discretion.

The day’s four games all ended in draws, yet the action was far from flat. There were four comebacks from behind across the day’s fixtures, and the group standings are beginning to take meaningful shape as the tournament moves into its second week.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side, meanwhile, left the day with work to do after a result that underlined the fine margins separating teams at this stage of the competition. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is already delivering on its promise of unpredictability.