It’s early days in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but we’ve already seen a fair few results that have raised a few eyebrows. After the United States got the ball rolling with a remarkable 4-1 win over Paraguay, it was Spain’s turn to bring the fireworks at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Alas, the 2010 champions failed to make the most out of the opening game of their World Cup campaign, as Cape Verde forced the Spaniards to settle for a goalless draw that few saw coming. While many expected Spain to hit the ground running in the United States, reactions poured in fast and quick as they shot blanks in Atlanta on Monday, June 15.
Soccer World Reacts as Spain’s WC Opener Ends in a Goalless Draw Vs. Cape Verde
There was quite a bit of buzz around the Spanish national team, especially in the wake of Marc Cucurella finalizing a move to Real Madrid a day prior to their World Cup opener.
But while they were hoping for the Cape Verde game to deliver a few goals, ‘La Roja’ were left thoroughly disappointed as their adversaries shut the door straight up.
The underdogs, powered by 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, kept Spain at bay in what is now the standout result of a tournament that is still in its early stages. Spain had the lion’s share of possession (74%) and had 27 shots in all (7 on target) but failed to get past Vozinha, who took the Man of the Match award in Atlanta.
Considering Cape Verde (ranked 67th in the world) has a population of roughly 550,000, they are the third-smallest country ever to reach the men’s World Cup, a stunning achievement in itself.
After they kept Spain at bay, adoration was quick to pour in.
“An absolute shocker, as Cape Verde (in its first World Cup game ever) ties with World Cup favorite Spain 0-0,” wrote Yahoo Sports’ Ben Fawkes.
“If we’re gonna have our first 0-0 game of this World Cup, at least let it be historic…and it was. Congratulations to the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde,” Alexi Lalas wrote, giving Cape Verde their due.
If we’re gonna have our first 0-0 game of this World Cup, at least let it be historic…and it was. Congratulations to the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde🇨🇻 . pic.twitter.com/eFvbILWAI3
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) June 15, 2026
The Athletic’s Colin Millar highlighted what could possible be the most interestin call-up of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Cape Verde centre back Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes has spent his entire career in Ireland, ignored a LinkedIn message from Cape Verde FA asking him to play for them because it was in Portuguese. A year later, they sent it in English. He accepted. An all-time great World Cup story.
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) June 15, 2026
“That was magnificent. Very, very well done to all those Cape Verde players,” wrote The Athletic’s Seb Stafford-Bloor.
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Spain tried to get Cape Verde to buckle by introducing teenage star Lamine Yamal with 20 minutes left, but the minnows held on for a point, dashing Spain’s hope of a fast start to the tournament.
The two teams will now share the points. Spain’s next opportunity to get a win will come against Saudi Arabia on Sunday, June 21. Cape Verde, meanwhile, will have to go up against Uruguay on the same day.
