Spain news

Cape Verde manager Bubista defended his side's deep-lying approach after they held Spain to a surprise draw at the World Cup. While La Roja dominated possession, the coach argued his team controlled the game through organisation, discipline and defensive structure, earning a valuable point against one of the tournament favourites.

Find out where to watch the game where you are. Scroll down for worldwide broadcasts!

Comprehensive match preview of Spain vs Saudi Arabia at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more.

Lamine Yamal was consoled by girlfriend Ines Garcia after Spain were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Cape Verde in their World Cup opener. The Barcelona star came off the bench but could not inspire a breakthrough as La Roja squandered a host of chances and dropped unexpected points in Group H.

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.

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.

The 2026 World Cup was supposed to be another waypoint on Lamine Yamal's path to becoming a generation-defining superstar, but there is the genuine threat that an injury could deprive the tournament of one of its biggest names. The Spanish wonderkid made everyone sit up and take notice at Euro 2024, and two years on, the 18-year-old seemed primed to seize the limelight once again. But instead, it may well be a waiting game.