Spain, European champions and World Cup favorites, were held to a goalless draw by debutants Cape Verde in their opening match in Atlanta. Despite a strong squad, Spain's attack lacked penetration, with key players Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams returning from injury. Cape Verde's defense was resolute, and they nearly secured a famous victory in the final minute.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, full name Josimar Jose Evora Dias, became the second-oldest debutant in men's FIFA World Cup history at 40 years old. He played against Spain, marking a dream realized after a nearly two-decade professional career spanning multiple countries.
Tây Ban Nha, đương kim vô địch Euro 2024, sẽ mở màn bảng H World Cup 2026 gặp Cape Verde tại Atlanta, Mỹ ngày 15/6. Tây Ban Nha có phong độ ấn tượng với 31 trận bất bại, trong khi Cape Verde lần đầu dự World Cup.
Tây Ban Nha, đương kim vô địch Euro 2024, sẽ mở màn bảng H World Cup 2026 gặp Cape Verde tại Atlanta, Mỹ vào ngày 15/6. Tây Ban Nha có phong độ ấn tượng với chuỗi 31 trận bất bại và dẫn đầu vòng loại. Cape Verde lần đầu dự World Cup sau khi đứng đầu bảng châu Phi.
Nhiều người hâm mộ bày tỏ sự thất vọng trên mạng xã hội khi Lamine Yamal ngồi dự bị, cho rằng Tây Ban Nha thiếu hấp dẫn và đột biến. Phóng viên Guardian cũng nhận định đội bóng thiếu tốc độ và tài năng của Yamal.
Spain dominates possession against Cape Verde in their World Cup opener in Atlanta but struggles to create clear chances. Cape Verde defends resolutely, with goalkeeper Vozinha largely untroubled. Teenage star Lamine Yamal is a substitute for Spain.
Spain and Cape Verde are facing off in their World Cup opener in Atlanta. Teenage star Lamine Yamal is a substitute for Spain, while Cape Verde's starting lineup includes Dublin-born Roberto Lopes.
Spain and Cape Verde are locked at 0-0 in their World Cup opener in Atlanta. Despite Spain's dominance in possession, Cape Verde's organized defense and the performance of goalkeeper Vozinha have kept the score level. Teenage star Lamine Yamal is on the bench for Spain.
Spain and Cape Verde are locked at 0-0 in their World Cup opener in Atlanta. Despite Spain's dominance in possession, they've struggled to create clear chances against Cape Verde's organized defense, with veteran goalkeeper Vozinha making key saves.
Spain dominates possession against Cape Verde in their World Cup opener in Atlanta, but struggles to create clear chances. Cape Verde maintains a defensive shape, with goalkeeper Vozinha largely untested. Lamine Yamal is a substitute for Spain, while Roberto Lopes starts for Cape Verde.
Roberto Lopes, a former Dublin bank worker, is set to play for Cape Verde against Spain in the World Cup. Recruited via LinkedIn by the team's coach, Lopes left his desk job 10 years ago to pursue a full-time football career, representing his father's homeland.
New Zealand and Iran coaches emphasize football focus ahead of their World Cup match, downplaying political tensions. Meanwhile, Cape Verde, making its World Cup debut, sees facing Spain as a dream come true, aiming to make an impact despite being underdogs.
Real Madrid have agreed a verbal deal to sign Chelsea's Marc Cucurella for up to €60m. The Spanish left-back, 27, is set to move after four years at Stamford Bridge, with an initial €55m plus €5m in add-ons. Chelsea see this as a good time to sell after his form dipped post-Christmas.
Reigning European champions Spain, strong favorites for the 2026 World Cup, start their campaign against debutants Cape Verde in Atlanta. Despite recent strong form and a new generation of talent, Spain's recent World Cup history has been disappointing. Cape Verde, one of the smallest nations by population to reach the tournament, makes its World Cup debut.
Spain's Lamine Yamal is progressing well from a hamstring injury and is expected to be fit for their World Cup opener on June 15 against Cape Verde. Coach Luis de la Fuente expressed optimism about the teenage star's recovery, though his participation is not guaranteed.
Spain's forwards Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are expected to be fit for their World Cup opener on June 15, according to coach Luis de la Fuente. Both players have been recovering from hamstring injuries.
Iran's World Cup preparations are disrupted by visa delays and the ongoing war, forcing a change in their base to Mexico. Meanwhile, Cape Verde celebrates its historic qualification, and Norway pins its hopes on star striker Erling Haaland.
Iran faces visa delays for the 2026 World Cup in Mexico due to ongoing conflicts. Spain grapples with player fitness issues. Uruguay's coach Bielsa faces authority challenges. Saudi Arabia is unstable after a coaching change. Cape Verde, a small island nation, makes its historic debut.
Iran faces visa delays for World Cup 2026 in Mexico due to ongoing conflict. Spain grapples with player fitness concerns. Uruguay's coach Bielsa faces authority challenges. Saudi Arabia is unstable after coaching changes. Cape Verde, a small island nation, makes its historic debut with immense national pride.
Cape Verde, a small island nation, makes its historic debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Known for its beaches, the 'Blue Sharks' qualified directly after topping their group, showcasing a strong home record. They face tough competition in Group H against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
Cape Verde, a small island nation, makes its historic debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Known for its beaches, the 'Blue Sharks' qualified directly from CAF, topping their group with an impressive home record. They face Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia in Group H.
With the tournament a month away, there are still no agreements done with the two Asian giants to ensure fans there can watch all 104 gamesWhen Fifa expanded the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, it was in the hope that countries such as India and China, with their 2.7 billion residents, would qualify rather than countries such as Cape Verde and Curaçao, whose combined population of about 700,000 barely equals a district of a megacity such as Mumbai or Shanghai. What the governing body did not account for was that, with the 2026 tournament a month away, there would be no broadcasting deals done with the two Asian giants to ensure fans there can watch the 104 games.A few months ago, Fifa was said to be offering this World Cup, and the next, to New Delhi and Beijing for respective sums of $100m (£73m) and between $250m and $300m. There have been no deals struck despite the asking price falling steadily. Continue reading...
In Cape Verde, a small island nation off West Africa, World Cup qualification is transforming dreams on and off the pitch.
African archipelago hopes startups, digital infrastructure and diaspora investment can transform its economyFor much of its history since its discovery by the Portuguese in the mid-15th century, the Cape Verde archipelago off the coast of west Africa served as a hub of the international slave trade, with Africans forcibly transported to marketplaces before being distributed across the Americas and Europe.Now, almost 150 years since slavery was abolished in Cape Verde, and just over 50 years since independence from Portugal, Pedro Fernandes Lopes wants the country to become a beacon for the free movement of human and financial capital across the African diaspora. Continue reading...
