Spain Held to Goalless Draw by Cape Verde in World Cup Opener

Spain struggled to find the back of the net against a resolute Cape Verde team on Monday evening, resulting in a surprising goalless draw in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup.

Despite high expectations for La Roja to secure a convincing victory, Cape Verde’s strong defensive display allowed them to earn a valuable point as they began their Group H campaign.

Sports Mole presents player ratings following the 0-0 stalemate.

Player Ratings: Spain vs. Cape Verde

One of the biggest shocks in World Cup history! ?

Cape Verde holds European champions Spain to a draw pic.twitter.com/TRToKlU1lq

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 15, 2026

Spain Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Unai Simon – 6/10

Defense

Marcos Llorente – 6/10

Pau Cubarsi – 6/10

Aymeric Laporte – 6/10

Marc Cucurella – 7/10

Cucurella was one of Spain’s standout players, often being their biggest attacking threat during the match. He can take pride in his performance against Cape Verde.

Midfield

Fabian Ruiz – 5/10

Rodri – 5/10

Pedri – 5/10

Attack

Ferran Torres – 4/10

Torres failed to capitalize on his opportunity in Yamal’s absence, creating only a few half-chances without converting. It would be surprising to see him start against Saudi Arabia next.

Mikel Oyarzabal – 4/10

The Real Sociedad forward has been in excellent form but struggled to make an impact in this challenging match.

Gavi – 4/10

Substitutes

Lamine Yamal – 7/10

The best performer for Spain despite being introduced late at the 71st minute. His importance cannot be understated; he should start against Saudi Arabia due to his significant impact on the game.

Mikel Merino – 6/10

Dani Olmo – 6/10

Nico Williams – N/A

Cape Verde Player Ratings vs. Spain: Vozinha Shines in Goal

Pico Lopes with a crucial block ?

Cape Verde continues to hold Spain to a draw! pic.twitter.com/PfwlcEtRka

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 15, 2026

Goalkeeper

Vozinha – 9/10

A standout performer for Cape Verde, Vozinha made seven crucial saves and consistently made the right decisions throughout the match.

Defense

Steven Moreira – 8/10

Pico Lopes – 9/10

Lopes was nearly awarded man-of-the-match honors for his exceptional performance, highlighted by a late block that denied Oyarzabal from scoring.

Diney Borges – 8/10

Borges also had an impressive game, making vital challenges and blocks that contributed significantly to Cape Verde’s clean sheet.

Sidny Cabral – 8/10

Midfield

Kevin Pina – 7/10

Laros Duarte – 7/10

Jamiro Monteiro – 7/10

h3 >Attack
h4 >Ryan Mendes-6 / h4 >
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Dailon Livramento-6 / h3 >
h

Jovane Cabral-7 / h3 >
h

Substitutes
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Willy Semedo-6 / h3 >
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Nuno Da Costa-6 / h3 >
h

Deroy Duarte-6 / h3 >
h

Joao Paulo-6 / h3 >
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Telmo Arcanjo-6 / h3>