Spain impress Cape Verde in World Cup opener | World Cup 2026 news

Lamine Yamal will come off the bench but will not be able to help Spain defeat World Cup hosts Cape Verde in a 0-0 draw.

Spain’s ghosts of recent World Cup horrors were as visible in Atlanta as the European champions were it ended 0-0 and Cape Verde debutants in their first game.

Lamine Yamal was left on the bench as the Barcelona star was revived after nearly two months out with a hip injury, and even his second-half substitute appearance was unable to break down the Cape Verde defence.

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Since winning the World Cup for the first time in 2010, Spain have not won a knock-out game, and their failure to be a force to reckon with was reminiscent of their soft exits in 2018 and 2022.

Blessed with what coach Luis de la Fuente said was the best team in competitive football, Spain were considered among the pre-tournament favorites to lift the World Cup on July 19.

But the importance of Yamal and Nico Williams to their chances of success was lowered by success.

Williams also had an injury-plagued season at Athletic Bilbao and was not introduced until the 87th minute.

Ranked 67th in the world, Cape Verde rose to international prominence and boasted a population of over 500,000.

In stark contrast to the sweltering heat that other parts face, Atlanta’s modern air-conditioned stadium meant there was no reason to beat the heat in Spain.

Indeed, the half-time hydration break was met with boos and fans who were frustrated at the break despite the cold weather.

It took until six minutes into the half for Spain to seriously threaten.

Marc Cucurella, on the verge of signing from Chelsea to Real Madrid, sent in a teasing cross that Ferran Torres turned on goal, and Cape Verdean midfielder Vozinha rebounded to turn Mikel Oyarzabal’s header over the bar.

Torres also tested Vozinho moments later when Aymeric Laporte’s header from a corner was again deflected by the Cape Verdean number one just before the end.

The break came at a good time for the Blue Sharks, and they remained strong in the second half until Yamal’s entry after the second break.

Recognized as one of the tournament’s stars, Yamal immediately raised the crowd with his presence and injected life into the Spanish pedestrian threat.

His first participation created a good opportunity for Mikel Merino, who was very close to Vozinha.

Yamal started a run that saw Oyarzabal’s efforts thwarted by Spain’s best chances in the second half.

Cape Verde almost grabbed a famous victory in the last minute of the 90th minute when Diney Borges headed home from close range to Unai Simon.

Spain’s path to victory in 2010 got off to a disappointing start with defeat to Switzerland, but they have a lot of work to do before facing Saudi Arabia in Atlanta once again on Sunday.

Cape Verde will then face Uruguay in Miami.