ATLANTA, June 16: Tournament favourites Spain were frustrated in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Cape Verde produced a disciplined defensive masterclass to earn a shock 0-0 draw in Atlanta.
The reigning European champions dominated almost every statistic, enjoying 74 percent possession, firing 27 shots and creating chances worth 2.29 expected goals. Yet they could not find a way past veteran goalkeeper Vozinha and a resilient Cape Verde backline.
Spain's attack lacked its usual sharpness without teenage sensation Lamine Yamal in the starting lineup. Coach Luis de la Fuente opted to keep the star winger on the bench until the second half, and Spain struggled to break down Cape Verde's compact 5-4-1 formation.
Cape Verde's defensive effort was remarkable. Spain striker Mikel Oyarzabal failed to register a touch of the ball for the opening 30 minutes as the African debutants closed every gap and denied space in dangerous areas.
When Yamal finally entered the match, Spain looked more threatening and direct, but Cape Verde stood firm. The 40-year-old Vozinha, celebrating his World Cup debut just weeks after his birthday, delivered seven crucial saves to preserve a famous point for his side.
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Despite being heavily outshot and creating little going forward, Cape Verde's organization, discipline and determination transformed them into the surprise story of the opening round.
Saudi Arabia hold Uruguay
In Group H, Saudi Arabia battled to a 1-1 draw against Uruguay after surviving relentless pressure in the second half.
Abdulelah Al Amri gave the Saudis the lead in the 41st minute after capitalizing on a rebound from goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Uruguay looked flat before the break but returned with far greater intensity after halftime.
Marcelo Bielsa's side launched wave after wave of attacks, finishing with 27 shots, including 20 after the interval. Their persistence paid off when Maxi Araujo smashed home from a tight angle in the 80th minute.
Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais emerged as the hero, producing a string of outstanding saves to secure a valuable point. The result leaves all four teams in Group H level on one point after the opening matches.
Egypt deny Belgium
Egypt also claimed a notable result, holding Belgium to a 1-1 draw in Group G.
The Pharaohs struck first in the 19th minute when Emam Ashour latched onto a clever pass from Mohamed Salah and unleashed a powerful long range effort beyond Thibaut Courtois.
Salah, operating in a central playmaking role, repeatedly troubled Belgium's defence with his movement and vision. Belgium responded after the introduction of Romelu Lukaku, whose immediate impact changed the flow of the match.
Just moments after coming on, Lukaku's presence inside the penalty area forced confusion in the Egyptian defence, leading Mohamed Hany to turn Thomas Meunier's cross into his own net in the 66th minute.
Belgium pushed hard for a winner, with Kevin De Bruyne striking the post and Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir making several important saves. However, Egypt's defence held firm to secure a deserved point against one of Europe's strongest sides.
The opening round of matches has already delivered surprises, with Cape Verde's heroic stand against Spain emerging as the headline result of the day.
