By Monsurat Abisoye
World Cup debutants Cape Verde produced one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after holding European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw in their opening Group H match in Atlanta on Monday.
Spain, widely regarded as one of the tournament favourites, dominated possession with 74 per cent and created numerous chances but failed to break down the resilient Cape Verde defence.
The standout performer was 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who made seven crucial saves to frustrate the 2010 World Cup winners throughout the encounter.
Despite introducing Barcelona star Lamine Yamal from the bench, Spain were unable to find a winning goal against the Blue Sharks, who were playing in their first-ever World Cup match.
Cape Verde, a volcanic island nation with a population of about 525,000 people, had never previously qualified for the tournament. Their historic appearance was aided by FIFA’s decision to expand the World Cup to 48 teams.
Ranked among the tournament’s biggest outsiders by several betting platforms at odds of 2000-1, Cape Verde celebrated wildly with their supporters after securing an unexpected point against one of football’s traditional powerhouses.
Elsewhere on Monday, Saudi Arabia were scheduled to face Uruguay in another Group H fixture in Miami, while Belgium were due to take on Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in a Group G encounter in Seattle.
Meanwhile, Iran were preparing for their long-awaited opening match at the tournament following a build-up overshadowed by uncertainty.