Tournament debutants Cape Verde pulled off a historic 0-0 draw against European champions Spain in their opening Group H match of the 2026 World Cup at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The tiny island nation, boasting a population of roughly 600,000, delivered a masterful defensive display to frustrate a heavily favoured Spanish side aiming for their second global title.

The foundation of the shock result was a phenomenal performance by 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who earned player of the match honours. He produced a string of crucial saves late in the first half, repeatedly denying Spanish attackers Ferran Torres, Pedri, and Aymeric Laporte to keep the game scoreless against the tournament giants.

Despite dominating possession and registering more than 24 shots, Spain lacked a clinical edge in the final third, with their closest opportunity coming when Torres struck the crossbar just before half-time. Even the 70th-minute introduction of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal failed to break down Cape Verde’s stubborn and highly organised defence.

The closing stages offered immense drama at both ends of the pitch, highlighted by an astonishing 88th-minute defensive block from Pico Lopes to thwart Dani Olmo. Cape Verde nearly snatched a monumental victory in the dying moments, but Unai Simón saved Diney Borges’s late header, sealing a famous draw that sparked wild celebrations amongst the Cape Verdean squad and their supporters.