SPORTSWORLD.AM
A real surprise occurred in the opening round of the 2026 World Cup: the tournament's newcomer, the African team of Cape Verde, managed to keep a clean sheet against the 2010 World Cup champion Spain.
Luis de la Fuente's team entered the field with impressive statistics from the qualifying round. It should be recalled that in the European qualifying round, the Spaniards had collected 16 points from 6 matches and took first place in Group E, leaving the impression of an undefeated team (5 wins, 1 draw). The main Spanish forces of the qualifying round - Mikel Merino, Mikel Oyarzabal, Pedri and Ferran Torres - had to face a strong African defense this time.
Spain had a clear advantage in the first 45 minutes. Especially towards the end of the half, La Roja increased the pressure and had several dangerous shots on goal, but the ball never crossed the goal line. The statistics of the first half spoke for themselves: Spain had 13 shots, while their opponent responded with only 3 attempts.
Cape Verde (nicknamed the “Blue Sharks”) proved once again why they are considered one of the fastest-growing teams in African football. The island nation of around 600,000 people had already caused a sensation by overcoming powerful Cameroon in Group D of the CAF qualifiers and qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in their history. Notably, they won all five of their home matches in the qualifying round, without conceding a single goal, and they carried that defensive strength into the main stage of the 2026 World Cup.
The absence of 18-year-old Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal from the starting lineup was a surprise. Although head coach Luis de la Fuente had assured fans before the game that the young talent would definitely be seen on the pitch, his absence was felt in the opening minutes.
Dramatic ending: After the 66th minute
In the second half, the Spanish team changed tactics and switched to their characteristic more active and combined football. After the changes made on the pitch, the mood of the match completely changed. Only during the second half, by the 66th minute, the nominal hosts had already managed to score five goals.
In the last 20 minutes of the match, Spain organized a real flood of attacks. They did everything possible and impossible to break through the opponent's defensive barrier and take the lead, but Cape Verde's unbreakable will and organized defense allowed them to preserve a precious draw. The guests surprised Yamal and his teammates in added time by attacking the goal defended by Unai Simón, but the 29-year-old goalkeeper was in his place.
Thus, at the start of the World Cup, Spain loses important points by ending the match in a goalless draw, while Cape Verde continues to write its football fairy tale.