Debutants Cape Verde hold Spain to goalless in first half

Cape Verde produced a disciplined and composed display in their FIFA World Cup 2026 debut, holding tournament favourites Spain to a 0–0 draw at half-time in their Group H opener.

Despite entering the match as clear underdogs on paper, the African side frustrated Spain throughout the first half with organised defending and standout goalkeeping, preventing the European giants from finding a breakthrough.

Spain dominated possession in the opening 30 minutes but struggled to convert control into clear chances, managing just one shot on target during that spell. Their pressure continued until the break, but Cape Verde maintained a compact shape to preserve the deadlock.

Veteran goalkeeper Vózinha, aged 40, emerged as a key figure, making a series of crucial saves to keep Spain scoreless. His performance added to Cape Verde’s remarkable debut storyline on football’s biggest stage.

Cape Verde have already made history in the match, fielding a starting XI with an average age of 31 years and 26 days, the highest in the current tournament. Vózinha’s participation also contributed to a rare World Cup milestone, as this edition became the first in history to feature two players aged 40 or above, alongside Germany’s Manuel Neuer.

While Spain were expected to assert dominance, they were repeatedly denied by Cape Verde’s defensive resilience, setting up a compelling second-half battle as the underdogs chase a memorable result and Spain search for a breakthrough.