World Cup debutants Cape Verde delivered one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after holding tournament favourites Spain to a goalless draw in their historic first appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Spain controlled possession for long spells and carved out several scoring opportunities but failed to breach the resilient Cape Verde defence.
At the heart of the surprise result was veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who produced a string of outstanding saves to deny the former world champions. The 40-year-old, one of the oldest players at the tournament, turned in a commanding display to secure a memorable point for the African side.
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Despite spending long periods on the back foot, Cape Verde defended resolutely and showed remarkable discipline to secure a historic point against one of the strongest teams in world football.
The result marks a memorable milestone for the island nation, which has a population of just over 500,000 and is making its maiden appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
For Spain, the draw will come as a disappointment after controlling much of the game, while Cape Verde will celebrate a result that could prove crucial in their bid to progress beyond the group stage.
