Cabo Verde Stun Spain: Debutants Earn a 0-0 to Remember
Updated 17 June 2026.
Spain vs Cabo Verde at World Cup 2026 finished 0-0, a result that ranks as the biggest shock of the group stage as tournament debutants Cabo Verde held one of the favourites at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Spain controlled the ball and struck the bar through Ferran Torres, but they could not find a way past a disciplined, fearless Cabo Verde side enjoying the greatest day in their football history.
| Match facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Result | Spain 0-0 Cabo Verde |
| Competition | World Cup 2026, Group H |
| Venue | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| Scorers | None |
| Key moment | Ferran Torres hit the bar for Spain |
How Cabo Verde held Spain
Spain did almost everything but score. They dominated possession, worked the ball into dangerous areas and went close when Ferran Torres rattled the bar in the first half. What they met was a Cabo Verde side that refused to buckle, defending deep, staying compact and throwing bodies in the way of everything Spain threw at them.
For a nation playing its first ever World Cup match, the composure was remarkable. Cabo Verde rode their luck at times, but a 0-0 against one of the pre-tournament favourites is a result that will be remembered on the islands for a very long time.
Why the draw is such a shock
Spain arrived among the favourites, and Cabo Verde were widely tipped as the group’s outsiders. A point for the debutants, and a dropped two for Spain, is exactly the kind of upset the expanded 48-team format was always likely to throw up, where smaller nations get their shot on the biggest stage and occasionally take it. Spain will be frustrated; Cabo Verde will be dreaming.
What it means for Group H
The draw left Group H wide open, with Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay all level on a single point after the opening round. Spain remain favourites to progress, but they now have ground to make up. Follow the group on our standings page.
What is next
Both sides return to Group H action, with kick-offs on our fixtures page and goals live on live scores. This was one of the standout stories of the day; see the full rundown in our World Cup 2026 June 15 results round-up, and the format in our complete World Cup 2026 guide.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in Spain vs Cabo Verde?
Spain drew 0-0 with Cabo Verde in their World Cup 2026 Group H opener on 15 June at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It was Cabo Verde’s first ever World Cup match.
Why was Spain’s draw with Cabo Verde a shock?
Spain were among the tournament favourites and Cabo Verde were debutants tipped as group outsiders. Cabo Verde defended superbly to earn a point, with Spain hitting the bar through Ferran Torres but failing to score.
Is this Cabo Verde’s first World Cup?
Yes. The 2026 World Cup is Cabo Verde’s first appearance at the finals, and the 0-0 draw with Spain was a landmark result for the island nation.
Source: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H.
