GROUP H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was thrown wide open on Monday after debutants Cape Verde produced one of the tournament’s biggest shocks by holding Spain to a goalless draw, while Uruguay needed a late equaliser to deny Saudi Arabia a famous opening-game victory.
In Atlanta, the World Cup newcomers from Cape Verde frustrated reigning European champions Spain in a disciplined and courageous display that earned them a memorable point against one of the tournament favourites. Hours later, in the group’s other fixture, Maxi Araujo struck late to help Uruguay salvage a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia after Marcelo Bielsa’s men spent much of the second half laying siege to the Saudi goal.
Cape Verde arrived at their first-ever World Cup as the third-smallest nation by population ever to qualify for the tournament and ranked 67th in the FIFA rankings. Few gave them any chance against second-ranked Spain, who are widely tipped to lift the World Cup trophy for a second time.
However, Spain struggled to break down a resolute Cape Verde side that defended with discipline and organisation. Whenever the Europeans threatened, veteran goalkeeper Vozinha stood firm with a series of outstanding saves.
The 40-year-old shot-stopper, who plays for Chaves in Portugal’s second division, emerged as the hero of the night. He denied Ferran Torres and Aymeric Laporte before halftime and repeatedly came off his line to deal with crosses and dangerous deliveries.
Spain’s best opportunity in the first half fell to Torres, who connected with Marc Cucurella’s header across the six-yard box but could only hit the crossbar under pressure from Vozinha. Later, Mikel Oyarzabal, scorer of Spain’s winning goal in the Euro 2024 final against England, was denied by a superb late block from Shamrock Rovers defender Roberto Lopes.
The introduction of Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal after the break injected energy into Spain’s attack and lifted the crowd inside the stadium. Making his first appearance in almost eight weeks after recovering from a hamstring injury, the young winger showed flashes of quality but could not provide the decisive breakthrough on his World Cup debut.
As Spain pushed desperately for a winner, they were almost punished at the other end. Cape Verde defender Diney Borges found space from a corner but headed straight at goalkeeper Unai Simon, allowing Spain to escape the embarrassment of defeat.
Although Spain dominated possession and registered 27 attempts on goal, only seven were on target as Cape Verde’s two compact defensive lines effectively neutralised much of their patient build-up play.
The result represents a massive boost for the Blue Sharks, who qualified for the tournament by topping a group that included Cameroon. With the eight best third-placed teams progressing to the knockout rounds, the point against Spain has significantly strengthened Cape Verde’s hopes of becoming the first African debutants to reach the World Cup knockout stage since Ghana in 2006.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia looked set for another famous World Cup opening victory after taking the lead against Uruguay shortly before halftime.
The Saudis, who stunned eventual champions Argentina in their opening game at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, once again threatened to shake the tournament. Their breakthrough came four minutes before the interval when Abdulelah Al Amri turned the ball home after Hassan Al Tambakti’s powerful header from a corner was parried by Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
The goal left Saudi Arabia dreaming of another historic upset, but Uruguay responded strongly after the break.
Bielsa made a double substitution at halftime, including withdrawing Darwin Nunez, whose difficult club season continued to cast a shadow over his international form. The tactical changes transformed Uruguay’s performance and injected fresh energy into the South Americans.
Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais became increasingly busy as Uruguay poured forward. He brilliantly tipped a low effort from Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte onto the post and repeatedly denied the South American attack.
However, the pressure finally told with 10 minutes remaining. After Al Owais pushed Federico Vinas’ header away, the rebound fell kindly for Maxi Araujo, who converted from close range to level the scores.
Even after conceding, Al Owais continued his impressive display, producing nine saves in total, including a stunning stoppage-time stop to tip Federico Valverde’s fierce strike around the post and preserve the draw.
Uruguay finished with 28 attempts on goal and would likely have claimed victory but for the brilliance of the Saudi goalkeeper.
Attention also turned to Nunez, whose struggles continue to raise questions. The former Liverpool striker has barely played competitive football since February after being omitted from Al-Hilal’s Saudi Pro League squad following Karim Benzema’s arrival midway through the season.
The 26-year-old scored nine goals in 24 appearances before falling out of favour, and his lack of game time had already seen him dropped to the bench during Uruguay’s March friendlies against England and Algeria.
His performance against Saudi Arabia did little to strengthen his case. Nunez managed only eight touches before being substituted — the fewest he has recorded in a start for Uruguay — and the team looked considerably more dangerous after his withdrawal, even if he received limited service while on the pitch.
With Cape Verde stunning Spain and Saudi Arabia proving they remain capable of troubling elite opposition, Group H has suddenly become one of the most unpredictable groups at the tournament.
Uruguay will now look to build on their second-half improvement, while Saudi Arabia continue their quest to reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since the 1994 tournament in the United States. Cape Verde, meanwhile, will head into their next match full of belief that an even bigger piece of history may be within reach.