Spain entered the tournament as a favorite, yet they were held to a 0‑0 stalemate by 64th‑ranked Cape Verde on Monday. The African side’s 40‑year‑old keeper Vozinha denied every Spanish attempt, forcing the Euro 2024 champions into a draw. Lamine Yamal entered as a substitute, but even the Barcelona prodigy could not break the deadlock.

Ferran Torres rattled the post and later forced another save from Vozinha, while Pedri and Diney Borges each saw their chances cleared. Uruguay and Saudi Arabia will complete Group H later that day in a tightly contested group, leaving Spain needing a win to stay atop the group. The island nation, home to about half a million people, proved physically robust.

Spain’s World Cup résumé remains thin; the team has secured only three victories since its 2010 triumph and has opened a tournament with a win four times historically. The draw exposes defensive frailties and raises questions about squad rhythm. Their next match against Uruguay will test whether they can tighten up and find the finishing touch. Spain must convert chances if they hope to progress.