Yamal vs Vózinha sets historic World Cup record in Spain–Cape Verde clash

Lamine Yamal’s late appearance and 40-year-old goalkeeper Vózinha’s heroic display combined to set a historic FIFA World Cup record during Spain’s 0–0 draw with Cape Verde in their Group H opener.

Yamal was introduced in the 71st minute as Spain pushed for a breakthrough, replacing Mikel Merino after sustained pressure failed to unlock Cape Verde’s disciplined defence.

At 18 years and 342 days, the Barcelona winger became one of the youngest players to feature at the 2026 World Cup, while Cape Verde goalkeeper Vózinha, aged 40 years and 22 days, was also making his tournament debut.

The 21-year-45-day age gap between the two players is recorded as the largest ever between opposing players on the pitch in World Cup history, highlighting a rare generational clash on football’s biggest stage.

The World Cup’s age extremes underline the significance of the record. The youngest player in men’s World Cup history remains Norman Whiteside of Northern Ireland, who featured at 17 years and 41 days in 1982, while the oldest is Essam El-Hadary of Egypt, who played at 45 years and 161 days in 2018. Yamal and Vózinha’s on-field duel now sits uniquely between those historic benchmarks.

Despite Yamal’s introduction adding pace and creativity, Spain were unable to convert control into goals, as Cape Verde held firm for a famous clean sheet in their World Cup debut.