Spain began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a frustrating but dominant 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in a Group H clash. Despite controlling possession, creating numerous chances, and spending long periods in the attacking half, Spain could not find the breakthrough as Cape Verde produced a disciplined defensive performance to secure a valuable point.
The match ended goalless, meaning both teams collected one point from their opening group-stage fixture. While Spain will be disappointed not to convert their superiority into goals, Cape Verde will be encouraged by their resilient display against one of the tournament favorites.
Spain vs Cape Verde Full-Time Result
Full-Time Score:
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Spain | 0 |
| Cape Verde | 0 |
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
Stage: Group Stage – Group H
Status: Full Time
There were no goals scored during the match, with both sides unable to find the net despite several opportunities throughout the 90 minutes.
Spain vs Cape Verde Match Statistics
Spain dominated nearly every major statistical category and controlled the flow of the game from start to finish.
| Match Stat | Spain | Cape Verde |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 23 | 6 |
| Shots on Target | 8 | 1 |
| Possession | 74% | 26% |
| Passes | 764 | 275 |
| Pass Accuracy | 92% | 74% |
| Fouls | 10 | 1 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 1 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Offsides | 2 | 3 |
| Corners | 11 | 1 |
Spain registered 23 shots and forced Cape Verde’s defense to remain under constant pressure. The European side also completed 764 passes with an impressive 92% accuracy rate. However, Cape Verde remained compact defensively and limited Spain to no goals despite facing 11 corner kicks.
Goal Scorers
Spain: None
Cape Verde: None
The match finished without a goal scorer as both defenses stood firm. Cape Verde’s defensive organization and goalkeeping proved crucial in earning a point against the reigning European champions.
Group H Standings After the Match
Following the conclusion of the Spain vs Cape Verde encounter, the Group H table stands as follows:
| Position | Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2 | Cape Verde | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | Uruguay | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | Saudi Arabia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Both Spain and Cape Verde sit on one point after their opening match, while Uruguay and Saudi Arabia are yet to play.
Match Summary
Spain will feel they dropped two important points after producing one of the most dominant statistical performances of the opening round. Their 74% possession, 23 shots, and 11 corners highlighted their control, but a lack of finishing prevented them from securing victory.
Cape Verde, meanwhile, can celebrate a historic result. Holding Spain to a scoreless draw gives them momentum heading into their remaining Group H fixtures. The African nation showed defensive discipline, composure, and determination throughout the contest.
With Uruguay and Saudi Arabia still to begin their campaigns, Group H remains wide open. Spain will look to bounce back in their next match, while Cape Verde will aim to build on this impressive defensive performance as the race for qualification continues.