Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign began with a major surprise as tournament newcomers Cape Verde held the reigning European champions to a dramatic 0-0 draw in Group H.

Widely regarded as one of the favourites to lift the trophy, Spain entered the match expected to overwhelm their less experienced opponents. Instead, they encountered a disciplined and resilient Cape Verde side that delivered one of the biggest shocks of the tournament so far.

As anticipated, Luis de la Fuente's men controlled possession from the opening whistle and spent long periods camped inside the opposition half. However, despite their territorial dominance, Spain found it extremely difficult to create clear-cut opportunities against a compact and organised defensive structure.

Their best chances of the first half arrived shortly before the interval. In the 39th minute, Ferran Torres rattled the crossbar after being picked out by Marc Cucurella. Moments later, Mikel Oyarzabal reacted quickest to the rebound, only to see his effort brilliantly tipped away by Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha.

Spain continued to push. On the stroke of half-time, Torres tested the goalkeeper once again with a first-time effort, but Vozinha reacted sharply to smother the danger. Deep into stoppage time, Aymeric Laporte powered a header toward the corner following a set piece, only for the veteran goalkeeper to produce another outstanding save.

The pattern of the match remained unchanged after the break. Spain continued to dominate possession and pile up attempts on goal, but meaningful chances remained scarce.

Cape Verde's defensive organisation frustrated the European champions throughout the second half. Time and again, Spanish attacks were met by a wall of blue shirts, forcing efforts from distance that rarely troubled the goalkeeper.

Even the introduction of teenage superstar Lamine Yamal midway through the second half failed to alter the course of the contest. Despite Spain's superior quality on paper, Cape Verde remained composed and disciplined until the final whistle.

World Cup 2026

Spain - Cape Verde 0:0

Spain: Simón U.; Cubarsí; Laporte; Cucurella; Llorente M.; Fabian Ruiz (Merino, 71); Gavi (Yamal, 71); Rodri (Nico Williams, 87); Oyarzabal; Torres F. (Olmo, 81); Pedri
Substitution: Merino (from 71); Yamal (from 71); Olmo (from 81); Nico Williams (from 87)
Bench: Raya; García Jo.; Pubill; Grimaldo; Garcia E.; Porro; Zubimendi; Pino Y.; Álex Baena; Muñoz Vic.; Iglesias
Yellow Cards: Pedri 93

Cape Verde: Vozinha; Cabral S. (Joao Paulo, 76); Diney Borges; Lopes Ro.; Moreira St.; Pina K.; Monteiro Ja. (Arcanjo, 79); Duarte L. (Duarte D., 61); Cabral J. (Semedo W., 61); Livramento (Da Costa, 61); Mendes R.
Substitution: Duarte D. (from 61); Semedo W. (from 61); Da Costa (from 61); Joao Paulo (from 76); Arcanjo (from 79)
Bench: Rosa M.; Dos Santos; Pina W.; Costa Lo.; Pires; Stopira; Semedo Y.; Varela H.; Rodrigues G.; Benchimol
Yellow Cards: Cabral S. 16