Spain opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a goalless stalemate against Cape Verde in Atlanta. The European champions mustered 27 shots, seven on target and a 2.29 expected‑goals tally, yet failed to breach the net. Missing teenage sensation Lamine Yamal for 70 minutes, coach Luis de la Fuente kept the prodigy on the bench despite a fitness clearance, and fans demanding action immediately.

Spain’s opening draws have often hinted at deeper issues; they lost their first match in 2010, 2014 and 2018 before a dominant win in 2022. This time, winger Nico Williams entered the tournament out of form and Yamal is still regaining fitness after an April injury with Barcelona. Their lack of natural width forced full‑backs Cucurella and Llorente onto the wings, limiting attacking variety to provide a decisive spark.

De la Fuente insisted the draw is merely a stepping stone, noting Spain remain unbeaten in 32 matches. He expects Yamal to start against Saudi Arabia after a week of training in Tennessee, hoping the youngster’s impact will unlock a stalled attack. The result leaves La Roja under pressure to convert possession into goals in the group stage before the knockout round begins.