Cape Verde brothers Laros and Deroy Duarte have opened up on the incredible moment they faced off against Spain's golden boy Lamine Yamal during their historic World Cup stalemate. Despite the Barcelona sensation arriving on the pitch with a massive reputation, the underdog duo revealed they never felt threatened by his presence on the field.
Cape Verde produced one of the greatest shocks in World Cup history by holding heavyweights Spain to a 0-0 draw, but the hero of the hour has revealed a bittersweet personal note to the achievement. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who was inspired between the posts at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, admitted that his mother was unable to witness his career-defining moment in person.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has called for calm after the European champions were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde. Despite dominating possession and territorial advantage, La Roja failed to find a breakthrough in their Group H opener in Atlanta.
Spain started their 2026 World Cup campaign in disappointing fashion as they were held to a 0-0 draw by tournament debutants Cape Verde. Despite boasting a squad of global superstars, the European champions could not find a way past the African side's resilient defensive block.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has delivered a massive fitness boost ahead of their World Cup opener, confirming that Lamine Yamal is in "perfect condition" to face Cape Verde. The Barcelona sensation suffered a serious injury towards the end of the 2025-26 campaign that threatened to derail his tournament debut, but he has worked hard to recover quicker than expected.
From enchiladas to coxinha, discover the fan-favorite foods of Groups G, H and I and where to find them across New York City during the 2026 World Cup.
Former Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has singled out Lamine Yamal as the one player he is most desperate to watch during the 2026 World Cup. The legendary Swede believes the Blaugrana youngster possesses a rare quality that makes him worth the price of admission regardless of the cost.
Four nations will debut at the World Cup this summer, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan all set to grace the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It's 16 years since a newcomer made it into the knockout stages of the tournament, when Slovakia stunned holders Italy to eliminate them in South Africa. So do any of this year's debutants have the potential to replicate such heroics?
Spain have received a significant fitness boost ahead of their 2026 World Cup opener, with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams returning to full training. The dynamic duo had been major doubts for the group clash with Cape Verde, but their presence at the team's base camp suggests they are ready for the big stage.
Barcelona are reportedly feeling a sense of dread regarding the fitness of Lamine Yamal as the teenage sensation prepares to lead Spain’s charge at the World Cup. Despite the forward’s significance to the national team, officials at the Blaugrana are concerned that the recovery process for their crown jewel is being rushed to meet international deadlines.
FIFA has announced a significant protocol modification that will see every squad member take part in the pre-match national anthems at the upcoming World Cup. Moving away from traditional sporting custom, football's global governing body has mandated that both starting line-ups and substitutes congregate together on the pitch ahead of kick-off.
FIFA has confirmed the key dates and squad regulations for the 2026 World Cup. Nations must submit their final player lists by June 1, with strict rules in place regarding injuries, replacements and goalkeeper selections.
Nico Williams has received incredibly positive news regarding the hamstring injury sustained during Athletic Club's recent clash with Valencia. While initial fears suggested the winger could miss the upcoming World Cup, medical tests have confirmed he should be fit in time for the tournament in North America.
Fans and players from several World Cup countries could have to pay up to $15,000 in order to obtain tourist visas ahead of the World Cup. According to regulations set by President Donald Trump's administration, residents of five countries - Algeria, Cape Verde, Senegal, the Ivory Coast, and Tunisia - have to pay high prices for bonds for visas. And there is no exemption for the World Cup.
The World Cup 2026 draw has been made, with England set to face Croatia in the group stages, and the USMNT to take on Australia. Brazil have been drawn with Morocco, while France will play Senegal and Argentina must face Austria.
Cape Verde became the second smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup after their 3-0 win over Eswatini guaranteed their spot at the tournament in North America in 2026. Watch the clip above as the full-time whistle sparked scenes of euphoria, both on the pitch and in the stands, with the players heralded as heroes after clinching a historic first qualification.
Cape Verde have officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup, becoming the second-smallest nation ever to punch their ticket into the iconic quadrennial tournament. The African nation, which has a population of just 524,000, beat Eswatini 3-0 on Monday to seal their progression to the finals next summer, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Cabo Verde
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