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Cape Verde Stuns Spain in World Cup Opener

Sport
June 15, 2026
Cape Verde Stuns Spain in World Cup Opener

Cape Verde stunned Spain with a scoreless World Cup draw on Monday. The Group H match finished 0-0 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Cape Verde earned the first World Cup point in the nation’s history.

Vozinha Anchors Cape Verde’s Historic World Cup Debut

Cape Verde held Spain scoreless across 90 minutes in Atlanta. Goalkeeper Vozinha made four first-half saves to deny Spain. Spain entered Monday as a 2026 World Cup title favorite. Cape Verde reached the World Cup for the first time in 2026.

Spain produced 13 attempts in the first half against Cape Verde. Vozinha turned away the best of those Spain chances. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is 40 years old, born in 1986. Vozinha plays club football for Chaves in Liga Portugal 2.

Cape Verde ranks among the smallest nations ever to reach a World Cup. The country covers roughly 1,500 square miles across its Atlantic islands. Cape Verde’s islands sit off the West African coast in the Atlantic Ocean. Cape Verde carries the nickname Blue Sharks into the 2026 World Cup. Spain still chases a second World Cup title after the 2010 win.

The 2026 World Cup is the first edition to feature 48 teams. That expanded field opened the door for debutants like Cape Verde. Cape Verde used that wider path to reach a first World Cup. The point against Spain instantly became Cape Verde’s biggest result.

Vozinha started in goal for Cape Verde at age 40. The veteran goalkeeper has anchored Cape Verde across qualifying campaigns. Vozinha also represented Cape Verde at the Africa Cup of Nations. Vozinha kept a clean sheet in Cape Verde’s World Cup debut. Vozinha’s calm steadied Cape Verde against a relentless Spain attack.

The draw reshapes Group H at the 2026 World Cup. Spain dropped two points it expected to win against Cape Verde. Cape Verde now sits level with Spain after one Group H match. Cape Verde can advance from Group H with two more strong results. Group H also features Uruguay and Saudi Arabia chasing knockout spots.

Cape Verde next faces its second Group H test in the coming days. Spain must respond quickly to protect a knockout-round position. Vozinha gives Cape Verde a steady goalkeeper for the matches ahead. Cape Verde aims to turn this point into a knockout-stage push. The 2026 World Cup continues across United States, Canada, and Mexico venues.

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Sources: ESPN and FOX Sports detailed Cape Verde’s scoreless draw with Spain. Yahoo Sports confirmed Vozinha’s saves at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.