On June 14, 2026, Cape Verde made their FIFA World Cup debut with a stunning 0-0 draw against Spain in Group E. The match took place at the Estadio Nacional in BrasΓlia, Brazil.
Cape Verde, ranked 72nd in the FIFA World Rankings, held the 8th-ranked Spanish side to a goalless stalemate. The Blue Sharks defended resolutely, with goalkeeper Vozinha making several key saves to deny Spain's attacking threats.
Spain dominated possession with over 70% of the ball but struggled to break down a disciplined Cape Verdean defense. The result was widely celebrated as one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, given the disparity in rankings and experience.
Cape Verde's debut performance has drawn praise from football analysts, highlighting the growing competitiveness of African nations on the global stage. The team will face Brazil and Switzerland in their remaining group matches.
