World Cup 2026 - Spain vs Cape Verde: Cape Verde or Cabo Verde was the second of four teams to make their FIFA World Cup debut this edition, after Curacao faced Germany on Sunday. The little footballing nation has taken a giant leap by securing a goalless draw against the European soccer powerhouse Spain in tournament opener for both teams in this year's quadrennial marquee football event. Spain enter the World Cup second in the FIFA World Rankings. They won the 2023 Nations League Final and 2024 European Championship under de la Fuente. In the World Cup, though, Spain have not advanced to the quarterfinals after winning the title in 2010. Cape Verde is currently ranked 67 in the FIFA rankings. Jordan and Uzbekistan are the other two nations who are playing their maiden football world cup this year.
Spain vs Cape Verde Highlights
Cape Verde pulled off a World Cup shock by holding Spain to a 0-0 draw in the opening game of Group H on Monday, where the European champions and one of the tournament favourites could find no way past the debutants and their keeper Vozinha. Despite dominating possession, Spain's first real threat came late in the opening half when Ferran Torres somehow smashed a close-range shot off the bar and Cape Verde keeper Vozinha tipped over Mikel Oyarzabal's header from the rebound.
