World Cup 2026: Spain 0-0 Cape Verde - African islands with population less than 500,000 produce one of tournament's biggest shocks

15.06.2026, 21:29 skysports.com

Cape Verde pulled off one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history as the African debutants held tournament favourites Spain to a goalless draw in Atlanta.

One of the biggest mismatches in football history has produced one of the biggest results, with Cape Verde the third-smallest nation to ever compete in a World Cup - but they showed the biggest heart.

Among the heroes included 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who played in Portugal's second division last season and made four outstanding stops.

He tipped over Mikel Oyarazabal's header, saved low from Ferran Torres' close-range effort, tipped Aymeric Laporte's goalbound header around the corner and then denied Mikel Merino and Marc Cucurella from inside the box late on.

Second to Vozinha to man of the match was Shamrock Rovers' Pico Lopes - who denied Oyarazabal with a stunning last-ditch block on 88 minutes to deny a certain winner.

Cape Verde could have even won it as Diney Borges was found unmarked at a late, rare corner - only for it to be blocked into goalkeeper Unai Simon's path.

But Spain were also poor and wasteful, with Torres missing a first-half sitter by hitting the bar from six yards. Even after sending on Lamine Yamal from the bench, Spain could not find an answer.

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It is quite simply a football result that will reverberate around the world.

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