Spain Held by Cape Verde as Local Media Blast De la Fuente

European champion Spain opened its 2026 World Cup campaign on Monday, June 15, 2026, with a disappointing 0-0 draw against modest Cape Verde. Spain created several chances but could not beat Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, and the result leaves it with only one point in the early group-stage battle for qualification.

Spanish media harshly criticized coach Luis de la Fuente, especially over his team selection. Commentator Tomas Roncero asked, "What was Yamal doing on the bench?" and added, "Enough with the nonsense, the scientists and the presentations." He later called the match "a disaster" and "a hard lesson in humility that Cape Verde gave us," saying Spain must "go back to being a team" and "get back on the ground."

Former Barcelona coach Xavi focused on Ferran Torres' missed chance, saying Spain worked hard to create opportunities but Torres "had to be better." He said there are "no excuses," because chances like that can decide matches, and warned that if Spain does not win, people will remember the miss rather than its possession. Radio pundit Antonio Romero also said he could not believe the result, insisting nobody expected such a poor performance and praising Vozinha for stopping everything.

The draw means Spain now faces added pressure in the group, while Cape Verde, the underdog, comes away with a valuable point and a major confidence boost.