Press comments on the Spain embarrassment
“One of the biggest surprises in World Cup history”
June 16, 2026 – 12:28 a.mReading time: 2 minutes
Spain is reeling, Cape Verde celebrates the 0-0 draw: After the big World Cup sensation, there is a lot of praise from the international press for the outsider – and ridicule for the European champion.
Top favorite Spain started the World Cup with a disappointing 0-0 draw against blatant outsiders and World Cup newcomers Cape Verde. This is what the international press writes about one of the biggest sensations in World Cup history.
Spain
“Marca”: “A disaster to start with. The Spanish national team, unrecognizable, without football, ideas and resources, is unable to win against Cape Verde, which becomes the protagonist of a miracle.”
“AS”: “Spain failed in its World Cup opener against Cape Verde. Not even the use of Lamine could make up for the bad impression in Atlanta.”
In the video | After Spain’s draw, all dams burst
Player is loading
“Mundo Sports”: “Disappointing start for Spain, who failed to prevail against Cape Verde. La Roja, who dominated the game and tried tirelessly, faltered on their World Cup debut and failed to overcome Vozinha, the game’s MVP. Lamine Yamal came to the rescue in the second half, but it was not enough to get the game back on track.”
“El Pais”: “Cape Verde dashes Spain’s hopes. Luis de la Fuente’s side, one of the tournament’s big favorites, fail to overcome the resistance of the African debutant in a lackluster game for La Roja despite the return of Lamine.”
“El Mundo”: “A disastrous Spain starts the World Cup with a sad, goalless draw against Cape Verde. Luis de la Fuente’s team, which had to resort to Lamine with 20 minutes to go, delivered an unimaginative performance against a clearly inferior opponent.”
Cape Verde
“Expresso das Ilhas”: “Vozinha builds a wall and Cape Verde fights for a historic draw against Spain. (…) A historic result for the Blue Sharks, who withstood Spanish pressure thanks to an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Vozinha.”
Great Britain
“The Sun”: “Cap Hurray! The underdog causes one of the biggest surprises of the World Cup and holds firm against the favorite despite the return of Yamal.”
“Daily Mail”: “Cape Verde surprises a sluggish Spain and pulls off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history with a heroic draw.”
- After the World Cup clap: Tunisia fires coach shortly after start of tournament
- Cape Verde creates a sensation: World Cup hero becomes internet star