World Cup 2026’s Biggest Shocks: Cabo Verde Stun Spain
Updated 17 June 2026.
The biggest shock of World Cup 2026 so far is Cabo Verde holding Spain to a 0-0 draw on their tournament debut, but the opening round served up several more, from Brazil being pegged back by Morocco to a 94th-minute own goal earning Qatar a historic point. The expanded 48-team format was always likely to widen the gap for surprises, and the first week delivered.
| Upset | Result | Why it mattered |
|---|---|---|
| Cabo Verde hold Spain | 0-0 | Debutants frustrate a favourite |
| Morocco hold Brazil | 1-1 | 2022 semi-finalists trouble the giants again |
| Qatar deny Switzerland | 1-1 | 94th-minute own goal, Qatar’s first ever point |
| New Zealand push Iran | 2-2 | Elijah Just scores twice, NZ twice lead |
Cabo Verde 0-0 Spain: the shock of the tournament
Nothing has topped Cabo Verde’s goalless draw with Spain. Playing their first ever World Cup match, the islanders defended with discipline and nerve, riding their luck as Ferran Torres hit the bar but never folding. For one of the pre-tournament favourites to drop two points to debutants is the standout result of the group stage. Read the full Spain 0-0 Cabo Verde report.
Morocco 1-1 Brazil: the favourites stumble again
Morocco proved their 2022 run to the semi-finals was no fluke, holding Brazil to a 1-1 draw and arguably deserving more. Ismael Saibari struck first and it took a Vinícius Júnior moment to rescue the five-time champions. The full story is in our Brazil 1-1 Morocco report.
Qatar 1-1 Switzerland: drama at the death
Qatar earned the first World Cup point in their history in the cruellest way for Switzerland, a 94th-minute own goal from Miro Muheim cancelling out Breel Embolo’s penalty. For a side that lost all three group games as hosts in 2022, it was a milestone. See the Qatar 1-1 Switzerland report.
The near-shocks
New Zealand twice led Iran before drawing 2-2, with Elijah Just scoring both goals, and Canada earned the first World Cup point in their history in a 1-1 draw with Bosnia. Add Belgium needing an own goal to draw with Egypt, and the pattern is clear: the gap between the big names and the rest looked narrower than expected in week one. Keep up with every table on our standings page and the format in our complete World Cup 2026 guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest upset at World Cup 2026 so far?
The biggest shock is Cabo Verde holding Spain to a 0-0 draw on their World Cup debut on 15 June. Spain dominated and hit the bar but could not break down the debutants.
Did any other favourites drop points?
Yes. Brazil were held 1-1 by Morocco, Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt, and Switzerland conceded a 94th-minute own goal to draw 1-1 with Qatar in a draw-heavy opening round.
Sources: 2026 FIFA World Cup.
