Cabo Verde produced the biggest shock of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far after holding Spain to a remarkable 0-0 draw at Atlanta Stadium on Monday, securing the nation’s first-ever World Cup point in their tournament debut.
The result also delivered the first goalless draw of the competition, with veteran goalkeeper Vozinha producing a series of outstanding saves to frustrate the European champions throughout the contest.
Spain arrived in Atlanta unbeaten in their previous 10 matches and fresh from a 3-1 friendly victory over Peru on June 8, where Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedri found the net. Cabo Verde, meanwhile, entered the tournament in confident mood after winning their previous three matches, including a 3-0 victory over Bermuda on June 6.
As expected, Spain dominated possession from the opening whistle. However, Cabo Verde remained disciplined and compact, denying Luis de la Fuente’s side any clear route to goal during the early stages.
Spain came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 41st minute. Rodri picked out Marc Cucurella, whose header back into the danger area found Ferran Torres. The forward crashed his effort against the crossbar before Oyarzabal followed up with a header that Vozinha brilliantly tipped over.
Torres squandered another excellent opportunity just before the interval. The ball fell kindly to him inside the box, but his effort went straight into the arms of the inspired Cabo Verde goalkeeper.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, Pedri’s corner found Aymeric Laporte, whose header bounced goalward. Once again, Vozinha came to Cabo Verde’s rescue with a confident save to preserve parity.
The halftime whistle brought loud celebrations from the Cabo Verde players and supporters, with the score still locked at 0-0 against one of the tournament favourites.
Spain continued to push after the restart. In the 57th minute, Fabian Ruiz made a late run into the box but directed his header straight at Vozinha.
As the hour mark passed, Cabo Verde remained level. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente’s warning before the game not to underestimate the African nation was proving accurate. His side controlled the ball but struggled to break down a determined opponent.
Seeking a breakthrough, Spain introduced Lamine Yamal and Mikel Merino in the 71st minute. The substitutions increased the pressure, but Cabo Verde’s defence continued to stand firm.
By the 76th minute, Spain had enjoyed 87.82 percent possession compared to Cabo Verde’s 12.18 percent. Yet the scoreboard remained unchanged.
Vozinha delivered another crucial stop in the 82nd minute. Yamal’s cross found Merino, who nodded the ball toward Cucurella at the far post. The defender’s header went straight at the goalkeeper, who collected comfortably for his seventh save of the evening.
Spain nearly snatched victory in the 89th minute. Dani Olmo turned cleverly inside the penalty area and found Oyarzabal, whose volley appeared destined for the net before Pico Lopes made a heroic block.
Cabo Verde almost produced a fairytale winner moments later. Their first corner of the match arrived in the 90th minute, and Diney Borges met it with a header. However, the effort lacked power and went straight at Unai Simon.
Spain continued to attack during stoppage time. Oyarzabal met a late corner at the near post in the sixth minute of added time, but his effort drifted wide.
When the final whistle sounded, Cabo Verde’s players celebrated wildly. Goalkeeper Vozinha broke down in tears as the magnitude of the achievement became clear. The tournament debutants had earned a historic point against one of world football’s giants.
Spain finished with 27 shots and seven efforts on target, while Cabo Verde managed six shots and one on target. Despite the overwhelming statistical advantage, Spain could not find a way past Vozinha and a resilient Cabo Verde defence.
The result extends Spain’s winless run at the FIFA World Cup to four matches, matching their longest streak without a victory at the tournament between June 1982 and June 1986.
For Cabo Verde, however, this was a night that will live forever in the nation’s football history. Their first World Cup match ended with their first World Cup point, and one of the greatest results the country has ever achieved on the global stage.
