Nobody saw this coming. In one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Spain vs Cape Verde ended 0-0. Spain, ranked 3rd in the world, could not score against a team ranked 64th, which was making their very first World Cup appearance.
Cape Verde’s goalkeeper, Vozinha, was simply incredible. Save after save, he kept Spain out and gave his country a result they will never forget.
First Half: Vozinha Steals the Show
Spain dominated from the start. Pedri had the first big chance in the 7th minute — Vozinha saved it. Cucurella tried from distance — cleared. Spain had corner after corner, but Cape Verde defended brilliantly.
The worst moment for Spain came in the 38th minute. A slick move from Rodri → Cucurella → Ferran Torres left Torres with an open net. He hit the crossbar. The stadium couldn’t believe it.
Cape Verde also had moments going forward. Moreira tested Spain’s defence in the 27th minute. Half-time: 0-0.
Second Half: Spain Throws Everything at Cape Verde
Spain kept pressing after the break. Fabian Ruiz went close in the 48th minute. Marcos Llorente fired on target in the 73rd — Vozinha saved it again.
Spain made big changes. Lamine Yamal, Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo, and Nico Williams all came on. Still, nothing. Cape Verde held their shape and kept clearing every ball.
In injury time, Yamal had one last chance — blocked by Cape Verde. Pedri then picked up a yellow card for shirt-pulling in the 90+3rd minute. That summed up Spain’s frustration perfectly.
The final whistle blew. Spain vs Cape Verde: 0-0.
Key Moments
- 7′ — Pedri’s shot saved by Vozinha
- 38′ — Ferran Torres hits the crossbar with an open net
- 73′ — Llorente’s shot saved by Vozinha
- 90+2′ — Yamal’s last-gasp effort blocked
- 90+3′ — Pedri booked for shirt-pulling
- FT — Spain 0–0 Cape Verde
Starting Lineups
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 🇨🇻 Cape Verde |
|---|---|
| Gavi | Vozinha |
| Oyarzabal | Moreira |
| Ferran Torres | Pico |
| Fabian Ruiz | Borges |
| Rodri | Cabral |
| Pedri | Pina |
| Cucurella | Duarte |
| Laporte | Mendes |
| Cubarsi | Monteiro |
| Llorente | Jovane Cabral |
| Simon (GK) | Vozinha (GK) |
Why This Result Matters
This is not just a football result. Cape Verde is a tiny island nation with a population of less than 600,000 people. They had never played in a World Cup before. And in their very first game, they held Spain — one of the greatest football nations on earth — to a draw.
For Spain, it’s a wake-up call. For Cape Verde, it’s the proudest moment in their football history. Spain vs Cape Verde will be talked about for years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the final score of Spain vs Cape Verde?
The Spain vs Cape Verde match ended 0-0. Spain created many chances, but Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha was outstanding and kept a clean sheet.
Is this Cape Verde’s first World Cup?
Yes! Spain vs Cape Verde was Cape Verde’s very first FIFA World Cup match. A historic debut for the small island nation.
What are the FIFA rankings of Spain and Cape Verde?
Spain is ranked 3rd in the world. Cape Verde is ranked 64th. The 0-0 draw was a massive result for the underdogs.
Who was the best player in Spain vs Cape Verde?
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was the standout player, making save after save to deny the world’s third-best team.
I’m a football writer, covering top leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1. I write about match analysis, football news, tactics, and major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup, delivering clear, engaging insights for fans.
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