Cape Verde unveils 'Never say die' performance; First shocker of WC 2026

ATLANTA: Cape Verde, the island nation with just over 550,000 people, pulled off the unthinkable at the World Cup stage, earning a point against former world champions Spain by ending the match in a draw.

Cape’s gritty game against FIFA world ranking 2 Spain will be the first shocker of the 2026 World Cup tournament. Even the move to bring Lamine Yamal in the second half ended futilely as the Barcelona star failed to make an impact.

Josimar José Évora Dias, Cape Verde’s long-time trusted goalkeeper, aged 40, was a colossus in front of the goal, making multiple saves to help his country create history at the world stage. Dias started representing his country in 2012 and has 81 caps. He plays for the second division club Chaves in Portugal.

Another player who will be celebrated as a hero for his daring performance today is Shamrock Rovers defender Pico Lopes. Every Spanish move to penetrate a dogged Cape Verde defence fell flat due to the experienced game led in the defence by Lopes.

Spain will have to perform better against tougher Uruguay and an unpredictable Saudi Arabia. The World Cup has just begun, and the pressure is on.