Spain’s Goalless Draw Exposes Old Problems at World Cup 2026

Spain, one of the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup, stumbled in a surprising 0-0 draw with Cape Verde on Monday, the tournament’s biggest shock so far. The European champions arrived with huge expectations, but were widely criticized for a style of play that looked neat in possession and ineffective in attack.

Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled the ball 74% of the time and completed 734 passes at a 92% success rate, yet created very little. Spain managed only six successful dribbles, one for every 122 passes, and most of its attacks stayed in Cape Verde’s half. The team attempted 27 shots, but 12 came from outside the box, and only one effort really threatened the target in open play, a late chance in the 83rd minute with an xG of 0.22.

Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams were not fully fit and entered only in the 71st and 87th minutes, respectively. Even so, the criticism in Spain was sharp. Marca wrote that Spain had run out of ideas and called it a “shocking start” and a “great disappointment” from a team that looked directionless.

Pedri led Spain with five key passes and tried to break lines, but most of his distribution was sideways. Mikel Oyarzabal, who started up front, did not touch the ball until the 30th minute, and Spain barely crossed because of concern over Cape Verde’s center backs. Dani Olmo and Mikel Merino, both more effective at making runs into the box, were brought on very late. Spain’s next match is against Saudi Arabia next Sunday, and Yamal and Williams are expected to start. The article noted that a similar opening setback in 2022 did not stop Argentina from eventually winning the title.