Spain's midfielder #16 Rodri (L) reacts after next to Cabo Verde's goalkeeper #01 Vozinha (C) after missing a goal opportunity during the World Cup Group H match between Spain and Cabo Verde at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, US, June 15, 2026. (Photo: CGTN)
Spain's ghosts of recent World Cup horror shows reappeared in Atlanta as the European champions were held 0-0 by debutants Cabo Verde in their opening game on Monday.
Lamine Yamal was left on the bench as the Barcelona superstar is eased back to fitness after nearly two months out of action with a hamstring injury and even his appearance as a second-half substitute failed to break down Cabo Verde's stubborn defence.
Since winning the World Cup for the first time in 2010, Spain have not won a knockout game and their inability to the most of their superior possession percentage was reminiscent of their frustrating exits in 2018 and 2022.
"Reality has to sink in," said Spain boss Luis de la Fuente.
"This is a World Cup. We know that some teams, on paper, they are not better than us and we thought that we were far better than them. But then it's a struggle to win."
Blessed with what coach De la Fuente claimed is the best squad in the competition, Spain are considered among the pre-tournament favourites to go all the way and lift the World Cup on July 19.
But the importance of Yamal and Nico Williams to their chances of success was underlined by a flat performance.
Williams also had an injury-disrupted season at Athletic Bilbao and was not introduced until the 87th minute.
Ranked 67 in the world, Cabo Verde were making their debut on the global stage and did their nation of just over 500,000 people proud.
Cabo Verde nearly snatched a famous victory in the final minute of the game when Dani Borges planted a header too close to Unai Simon.
But even without a winner, 40-year-old Vozinha was reduced to tears at full-time as Cabo Verde produced the biggest shock of the tournament so far.
"I've worked all my life for this, for this moment, for this dream," said Vozinha, who plays for Chaves in the Portuguese second division.
"A lot of generations in the past dreamed of this, they didn't achieve it," he added. "The dream came true, for all of us."
Spain's road to victory in 2010 also began disappointingly with defeat to Switzerland, but they have much to work on ahead of facing Saudi Arabia in Atlanta once more on Sunday.
Cabo Verde next take on two time World Champions Uruguay in Miami.