Cape Verde Hold Spain to Goalless Draw on World Cup Debut
Cape Verde marked their World Cup debut with a battling 0-0 draw against Spain in Group H at Atlanta, frustrating the European champions despite a late flurry of substitutions.
C ape Verde produced a resilient display on their World Cup debut, holding Spain to a 0-0 draw in their Group H opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The European champions dominated the ball but could not find a way through.
Spain press, Cape Verde resist
Spain, world champions in 2010 and European champions in 2024, sent on Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Mikel Merino and Nico Williams in search of a breakthrough, but Cape Verde defended stoutly. Sidny Lopes Cabral was booked early, and the debutants reshuffled with a triple change just after the hour to see out the point.
A historic point
For Cape Verde, one of the smallest nations at the tournament, a point against Spain in their first ever World Cup match was a landmark, in front of 67,640 in Atlanta. It was the first competitive meeting between the two sides.
Group H wide open
The draw leaves Group H, which also features Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, finely poised after the opening round.
Reporting: based on official FIFA match data and reports from FIFA, Fox Sports and ESPN, June 15, 2026.