This is why we play the games! Spain opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on Monday with a scoreless draw against Cape Verde in Group H at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Both teams are part of what should be a competitive Group H that also features Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

As the time ticked away at the end of Cape Verde vs. Spain, nerves reached their natural crescendo. When the referee blew his whistle confirming the shocking 0-0 draw, the entire world seemed to celebrate the moment – everyone,

Cape Verde bows out of the World Cup, but it does so after writing one of the tournament’s most beautiful stories. In their first-ever appearance in the competition, the “Blue Sharks” got through the group unbeaten,

Cape Verde’s historic World Cup journey continues tonight with a showdown against the reigning champions Argentina tonight for a place in the last-16. Taking part in a World Cup for the very first time,

Cape Verde advanced to the Round of 32 after drawing with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Now it faces Lionel Messi and Argentina in the knockout stage.

The World Cup knockout stage continues as Australia meets Egypt, followed by Argentina taking on Cape Verde. You can follow all of the news with ESPN throughout the day.

The prospect of facing World Cup record goalscorer Lionel Messi in a knockout game would strike fear into most defenders, but not Roberto Lopes, according to the Cape Verde defender's mother.

Spain and Austria face each other in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup today. After labouring to a goalless draw in their opening match against Cape Verde, Spain defeated Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to top their group without conceding a goal.