Cape Verde, a small island nation situated off Africa’s coast, boasts a population of slightly over 524,800. The excitement was palpable among its citizens following their soccer team’s remarkable result against Spain in the FIFA World Cup. Spain, a favorite to win this year, managed only one point in their match against Cape Verde. The teams settled on a 0-0 draw on Monday, surprising many at the tournament.

Cape Verde players celebrate after the World Cup Group H soccer match against Spain in Atlanta on June 15, 2026. (Mike Stewart/AP)

The impressive performance came from Cape Verde’s 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who faced an intense barrage of shots during the first half. Spain had seven shots on goal, contrasting with Cape Verde’s single attempt, yet Vozinha ensured none found the net. Mikel Oyarzabal alone took five of these attempts.

Spanish rising star Lamine Yamal joined the match from the bench but was unable to find his mark against Cape Verde. With both teams securing one point each from the Group H match, Spain now faces a challenging path, contingent on the outcome of the Saudi Arabia-Uruguay game later that day.

Cape Verde’s Dailon Livramento and Sidny Lopes Cabral celebrate after the Group H match against Spain in Atlanta on June 15, 2026. (Erik S. Lesser/AP)

Cape Verde is experiencing its inaugural World Cup. Once under Portuguese control at the tournament’s inception, the nation didn’t become a FIFA member right away. It began competing for World Cup entry in 2002, finally qualifying this year after the tournament expanded to 48 national teams. Cape Verde is currently ranked 67th among FIFA members.

Spain claimed the World Cup title in 2010 when the event was held in South Africa. However, in the last two tournaments, Spain’s journey ended at the round of 16. This year, Spain entered the World Cup ranked No. 2.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates a 0-0 draw during the Group H match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta on June 15, 2026. (Jacob Kupferman/Associated Press)

Ryan Gaydos, a senior editor for Fox News Digital, reports alongside contributions from the Associated Press.