RKAV Volendam Overview

Cape Verde pulled off the biggest shock of the 2026 World Cup so far by holding Spain to a 0-0 draw in Atalanta on Monday. The tournament debutants weren't given any chance whatsoever against the reigning European champions but 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha achieved instant cult status throughout the footballing world by making one save after another to keep La Roja at bay.

Didier Deschamps has downplayed France's status as the leading contenders for the World Cup crown, instead pointing towards a European rival as the team to beat. Speaking ahead of Les Bleus' opening fixture against Senegal, the veteran coach insisted that while his side harbours domestic ambitions, they do not currently hold the mantle of the world's strongest team.

Real Madrid have officially secured the signing of Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella in a deal worth £52 million, marking the first major acquisition of Jose Mourinho’s second tenure at the Bernabeu. The Spanish international returns to his homeland after a five-year stint in the Premier League, ending a period of speculation regarding his future at Stamford Bridge.

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.