The match between Spain and Cape Verde in Group H's opening round was widely considered the most imbalanced pairing in World Cup history. Before the tournament, Spain topped the FIFA rankings, 67 places above Cape Verde, and was a championship contender, while their opponent was a debutant. The European representative boasts over 50 million people, whereas Cape Verde is a small island nation in West Africa with approximately 600,000 residents.

On the field, Spain dominated nearly every statistic, maintaining 74% possession with 800 passes. Almost half of these passes occurred in the final third of the opponent's half, while Cape Verde managed only 16 passes. Spain's 27 shots generated an expected goals (xG) index of 2.7, a figure that typically translates to three goals in a match. However, the game at Atlanta Stadium in the US concluded with a 0-0 scoreline.

"Cape Verde embarrasses Spain", headlined Germany's Bild newspaper.

Italy's La Gazetta dello Sport wrote: "It's unbelievable that Spain couldn't score against Cape Verde."

Cape Verde’s Willy Semedo marks Lamine Yamal of Spain during the World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium, Georgia, US on 15/6. Photo: AP

Argentina's Ole newspaper described the match as the "best story" of the 2026 World Cup. "The unbelievable happened, and this is not a lie or an April Fool's joke", the article stated. "The most highly-rated team, packed with stars, born to create memorable performances, failed to defeat a newcomer from Africa."

Bild ranked this match among the "biggest shocks in the 96-year history of the World Cup", akin to the US defeating England 1-0 in the 1950 tournament. "When it was first published, people thought it was a news error", the article noted. "But the 'Home of Football' lost to an opponent with 1 in 500 betting odds."

Other notable upsets include Italy losing 0-1 to North Korea in 1966, Spain drawing with Honduras at home in 1982, defending champions Argentina losing 0-1 to Cameroon (1990), France losing 0-1 to Senegal (2002), and defending champions Italy drawing 1-1 with New Zealand (2010).

The encounter also set two records since FIFA began collecting data in 1996. Spanish forward Oyarzabal became the first player not to touch the ball in the first 30 minutes of a World Cup match. Meanwhile, Cape Verde was the first team to commit only one foul in a game.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (number 1) clears the ball under pressure from Mikel Oyarzabal (21) of Spain during the World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium, Georgia, US on 15/6. Photo: AP

Reuters suggested that viewing Cape Verde as an easy opponent boosted coach De la Fuente's confidence, leading him to bench Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, despite stating they were fit but not ready to start before the match. The news agency assessed: "Their usual attacking prowess was diminished. The two replacements, Ferran Torres and Gavi, struggled to generate pace and danger in one-on-one situations."

ESPN commentator Craig Burley called Spain's performance "their most boring" in years. He identified three issues: "no alternative when Yamal and Williams were absent", "passing too slowly and horizontally too much", and "a lack of creativity in midfield".

"Torres and Gavi tended to drift inside rather than stay wide, reducing attacking width", Burley said. "Meanwhile, Pedri was pushed too close to Oyarzabal, when his best creativity and effectiveness come from a deeper central midfield position."

De la Fuente made changes and returned his players to their correct positions from the 70th minute. But according to the ESPN expert, this "provided new life, but it was too late."

Meanwhile, the UK's Guardian newspaper described the draw as a reminder of the pure joy from ordinary players. Center-back Pico Lopes, who prevented Dani Olmo from scoring in the 88th minute, is an office worker who disliked his job, and a part-time player who left Bohemians for Shamrock Rovers in the Republic of Ireland. He was contacted for the national team via LinkedIn and initially ignored the message, misunderstanding the language and thinking it was spam. Another story of transformation is that of goalkeeper Vozinha, whose Instagram account followers surged from 50,000 to over six million overnight.

"All Cape Verde players became heroes. The starting lineup played in eight different leagues. 26 players are outside football's elite", the Guardian article stated. "Football, the World Cup, creates such good stories, welcoming the impossible to become reality."

The draw against Spain gives Cape Verde hope of advancing past the group stage. In the other Group H match, Saudi Arabia also surprised by drawing 1-1 with Uruguay. In the second round of matches on 22/6, Cape Verde will face Uruguay, while Spain will play Saudi Arabia.

Trung Thu compiled