World Cup Debutants Cape Verde Stun Favorites Spain with Goalless Draw in Atlanta
The surprising draw in Atlanta throws Group H wide open as other teams also split points, setting up crucial next fixtures.
The story
Cape Verde, making their FIFA World Cup debut, pulled off one of the tournament's biggest shocks by holding European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw at Atlanta Stadium. Despite Spain dominating possession, Cape Verde's disciplined defense and the heroics of 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha frustrated La Roja throughout the match.
Vozinha made several crucial saves, including stopping a header from Mikel Oyarzabal and tipping Aymeric Laporte's goal-bound effort around the post. Spain's Ferran Torres also hit the crossbar in the first half.
Even the introduction of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal in the second half couldn't break the deadlock, as Cape Verde held firm to earn a memorable point. This historic result leaves all four teams in Group H level after the first round of games.
Yesterday's results
Spain vs Cape Verde
Score: 0-0
Key: Debutants Cape Verde hold European champions Spain to a surprising draw in Atlanta.
Belgium vs Egypt
Score: 1-1
Key: Emam Ashour's opener for Egypt cancelled out by a Mohamed Hany own goal in Seattle.
Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay
Score: 1-1
Key: Maxi Araújo's late equalizer secures a point for Uruguay after Abdulelah Al-Amri's first-half goal for Saudi Arabia in Miami.
Iran vs New Zealand
Score: 2-2
Key: Iran twice came from behind with goals from Mohammad Mohebbi and Ramin Rezaeian to draw with New Zealand in Los Angeles.
Where it stands
Following a series of draws, Groups G and H are wide open after their opening fixtures. In Group H, Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay all sit on 1 point each with a 0 goal difference, after two 1-1 draws and one 0-0 draw.
Similarly, Group G sees Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand also tied with 1 point each and 0 goal difference, after two 1-1 draws and one 2-2 draw. The format of the World Cup 2026 sees the top two teams from each of the twelve groups, plus the eight best third-placed teams, advance to the Round of 32.
What we'll be watching
- France vs Senegal (Group I), June 16, 23:00 UTC, New Jersey
- Iraq vs Norway (Group I), June 17, 02:00 UTC, Foxborough
- Argentina vs Algeria (Group J), June 17, 05:00 UTC, Kansas City
- Austria vs Jordan (Group J), June 17, 08:00 UTC, Santa Clara
- Portugal vs DR Congo (Group K), June 17, 17:00 UTC, Houston
- England vs Croatia (Group L), June 17, 20:00 UTC, Arlington
Reporting + analyst voices: grounded via Google Search at publish time.