In what was their World Cup debut, the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde held European champions and tournament favourites Spain to a goalless draw in the Group H opener of the ongoing 2026 World Cup in North America.

Entering the tournament as the third-smallest country ever to reach the men’s World Cup, Cape Verde had little going for them against 2010 champions Spain, but the West African side, thanks to a resolute defence helmed by their 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, held on for a vital debut point at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

While two of their star forwards, Lamine Yamal (who later came on late in the match) and Nico Williams, were absent due to fitness issues, Spain were still the dominant side on the pitch, controlling the lion’s share of possession, though it took them over 20 minutes to register their first shot on target, courtesy of midfielder Pedri’s long-range effort.

Luis de la Fuente’s side remained the better team and almost nicked one before the break through Ferran Torres, but the attacker’s effort came off the crossbar.

Yamal’s eventual introduction in the second half brought some optimism and evident sharpness to the Europeans’ attack, but the Blue Sharks’ resolute and organised defence stood firm to seal an improbable vital point on their debut, a moment of pride for Cape Verde and for Africa, some hours after Côte d’Ivoire recorded the continent’s first win in the tournament over Ecuador.

The Blue Sharks will look to consolidate on the inspiring opener when they face Uruguay on June 21, before wrapping up their group six days later against Saudi Arabia.