Cape Verde made history at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday, holding tournament favourites Spain to a goalless draw on their debut. Egypt also earned a point, drawing 1-1 with Belgium in Seattle.
Making their FIFA World Cup debut, the island nation defied all expectations to secure a point against the European champions in Atlanta, thanks largely to a heroic performance from veteran goalkeeper Vozinha.
The 40-year-old made seven crucial saves as Spain dominated possession and created several chances but failed to find a breakthrough.
Few gave Cape Verde a realistic chance before kick-off. One of the smallest nations ever to qualify for a World Cup was facing a Spain side widely regarded as one of the favourites to lift the trophy. Yet by the final whistle, it was the African debutants celebrating.
Vozinha, whose real name is Josimar Dias, became the oldest player to appear in a nation’s first-ever World Cup match — at 40 years and 12 days. His display frustrated Spain throughout and earned him the Player of the Match award.
As the final whistle sounded, he broke down in tears. “I cried because I grew up with my grandparents,” Vozinha said after the match. “Everyone thought we came here just to enjoy the World Cup, but no. We are here to compete and we are here to fight for our country.”
The draw sparked celebrations among thousands of Cape Verde supporters inside Atlanta Stadium and across an island nation of just over half a million people.
Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin described Vozinha’s display as “absolutely brilliant”, while former England defender Lee Dixon said Cape Verde deserved their point after one of the greatest performances in the country’s football history.
Spain introduced teenage star Lamine Yamal late in the game in search of a winner, but even the Barcelona forward could not break down a disciplined Cape Verde defence.
The result left Group H wide open and immediately established Cabo Verde as one of the most remarkable stories of the tournament.
In Seattle, Egypt also held Belgium to a 1-1 draw, in another encouraging result for Africa. The Pharaohs took the lead when Emam Ashour struck into the bottom corner. Belgium levelled when Romelu Lukaku, introduced from the bench, converted from close range after Egypt failed to clear a cross.
The match was quite balanced throughout, with both goalkeepers producing important saves. Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne came close to winning the game but saw his freekick strike the upright, while Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir made critical interventions to preserve the draw.
Mohamed Salah recorded a personal milestone as the Egypt captain registered an assist on his birthday, becoming only the fourth player this century to do so in a World Cup match.
