Spain stall against Cape Verde as France and Germany win World Cup openers
Spain have been held to a shock goalless draw by Cape Verde while France and Germany claimed emphatic victories in their opening matches of the 2026 World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel’s England side are watching closely as their major tournament rivals begin to lay down a marker in North America.
The standout result of the first round of fixtures came as Luis de la Fuente’s European champions stalled against a team making their finals debut.
Veteran goalkeeper frustrates Spain
A 40-year-old goalkeeper from the Portuguese second tier emerged as the unlikely hero of the tournament’s first major upset.
Vozinha produced seven crucial saves to keep a disjointed Spanish attack at bay.
The introduction of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal from the bench failed to break down a resolute Cape Verdean defensive block.
Striker Mikel Oyarzabal was entirely isolated and did not manage a single touch during the opening 30 minutes of the contest.
Germany and France find goalscoring form
In stark contrast to the Spanish struggles, Germany produced a ruthless performance against their own debutant opponents.
The four-time champions recovered from conceding an early equaliser to thrash Dick Advocaat’s Curacao in a seven-goal rout.
The clinical display signals a dramatic shift in fortunes for a nation that suffered group-stage exits at the previous two tournaments.
Meanwhile, Didier Deschamps saw his side overcome a sluggish start to secure a commanding victory over a talented Senegal team.
Mbappe sparks French recovery
A disjointed first half from the 2022 finalists was quickly forgotten following crucial tactical adjustments at the interval.
The French captain found his rhythm to score twice and cancel out a brilliant solo effort from 18-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye.
Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola added a neat chipped finish to ensure the victory.
Defending South American champions Argentina also rounded out the early action with a strong performance as the tournament’s heavyweights begin to assert their dominance.
