Belgium vs. Egypt, Cabo Verde-Spain Shocker, Live World Cup 2026 Updates, Scores and Highlights

Courtois up to the test on this one.

What one stayed hit from the top of the box.

Seattle looking glorious!

One foul!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One of the most shocking results in World Cup history has taken place in Atlanta. Cabo Verde defended remarkably and played intelligently to earn a sensational draw against Spain. They frustrated a team filled with world-class talent, which was forced to bring on two of its best attackers in a desperate effort to score.

Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal were hugely disappointing by missing clear-cut chances and failing to impose themselves. Spain's star-studded midfield couldn't get much penetration with their passing that you would expect in such a lopsided matchup on paper. Despite having 74% possession, they didn't have many stretches where they were truly dominant.

Yamal immediately injected energy into a lackadaisical Spain side struggling to create chances when he came on, with his pace and directness. Cabo Verde responded by having two players surround him every time he touched the ball. His presence helped create more movement between the channels for attackers to maneuver.

It still wasn't enough to break down an incredibly well-organized Cabo Verde side. That led to center back Aymerick Laporte moving up to play as a center forward while Spain was in possession in the 80th minute. Mikel Merino and Dani Olmo, who both scored memorable goals during Spain's memorable 2024 European Championship run, were brought on to help settle the deadlock. Nico Williams eventually joined Spain's attack in an all-out effort. 

Olmo nearly had an assist after taking down a terrific ball over the top from Fabian Ruiz. The clever lay-off was placed perfectly for Oyarzabal, but his goal-bound shot was incredibly blocked by center back Roberto Lopes. Cabo Verde's heroic defending continued, making clearance after clearance to prevent Spain from scoring. They eventually had an opportunity to counter, earning a corner in the 89th minute. Cabo Verde's other center back Diney Borges managed to put a header on target to leave the crowd stunned for a moment that the unthinkable could happen.

The unthinkable ended up happening. Cabo Verde deservedly secured a draw to get a historic point. They proved they belong on the world stage. While Spain will have questions surrounding them following their underwhelming performance, it's still very much a long tournament, where Yamal and Williams will get into the flow of it. In the end, this is a day of celebration for Cabo Verde.

What an incredible result.

Un. Be. Leivable.

First World Cup for global phenom. Can he rescue Spain???

Spain striker not been involved too much to start the game.

Spain has some work to do in the second half.

It's been a sluggish start for the reigning European champions. The absences of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have been felt as they dominate possession. Not having their dynamism is forcing them to play more centrally. It has put more onus on the fullbacks to get forward and make runs in behind.

After making a few early dangerous runs, Marc Cucurella helped create Spain's first real chance of the game. A tremendous ball from Rodri with his weaker foot found Real Madrid's new signing, who nodded it down to Ferran Torres for what should have been a certain goal. Torres blasted it onto the crossbar, which led to the ball dropping to Mikel Oyarzabal. His looping header was somehow saved by Cabo Verde's Vozinha, who made a tremendous leap to keep the ball out of the net.

Spain continued having more success creating attacks from the left, but Torres missed another excellent chance, sending his shot straight into Vozinha's hands. It took nearly 40 minutes for one of the tournament favorites to get going. Even as heavy favorites in this matchup, it was going to take time to find a rhythm without their two best attackers in the lineup. It will be interesting to see if either of them will be brought on in the second half to break down a valiant Cabo Verde side.

How is it still 0-0???

Not ideal against Cabo Verde.

Could be a long afternoon for the Blue Sharks

Careful Spain...you've got legends watching 👀

Literally changing games.

Barca star still recovering from injury.

Spanish fans tackle tough question on young star.

Quick one from yesterday...Tokyo knows how to party (and respectfully to traffic laws)

Sure! Why not! It's the World Cup!

Oh you thought we was finished? We will never stop. Well, until July 19th. But that's ages away...so to get you started, peep this preview for favorites Spain.