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Cape Verde produced one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far after holding Spain to a goalless draw in their opening Group H fixture earlier today, June 15.

Making their first-ever appearance at the tournament, the African side frustrated the two-time world champions throughout a tense match, securing a memorable point and throwing the group wide open. The result also deepened concerns over Spain’s recent World Cup form, with just one win from their last seven matches at the finals.

Spain dominated possession from the outset but found it difficult to break down a disciplined Cape Verde defence. Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes was outstanding at the back, helping to repel wave after wave of Spanish pressure as Luis de la Fuente’s men struggled to create clear openings.

Cape Verde’s 40-year-old goalkeeper, Vozinha in action against Spain during the 2026 FIFA World Cup clash.

Cape Verde nearly caught Spain off guard before the interval when Dailon Livramento attempted an ambitious effort from inside his own half. Spain then came agonisingly close to taking the lead just before the break.

Ferran Torres struck the crossbar from close range after Marc Cucurella nodded the ball across goal, while veteran goalkeeper Vozinha produced a sharp save to deny Mikel Oyarzabal on the rebound.

The pattern remained unchanged after the restart, with Spain controlling the ball but lacking the cutting edge required to unlock Cape Verde’s stubborn defence. Torres almost benefited from a mishit cross that drifted towards goal, but Vozinha reacted quickly to prevent an awkward breakthrough.

Seeking inspiration, De la Fuente introduced Lamine Yamal in the second half, and the teenager immediately raised Spain’s tempo. His direct running created an opportunity for substitute Mikel Merino, but once again Vozinha stood firm to preserve the deadlock.

Spain continued to push in the closing stages, with Oyarzabal seeing a promising effort blocked heroically by Lopes as Cape Verde edged closer to a famous result. The underdogs nearly completed an extraordinary victory deep into stoppage time when Diney Borges powered a header towards goal, only for Unai Simón to make a crucial save.

The final whistle sparked celebrations among the Cape Verde players and supporters, who watched their team claim a historic point against one of the tournament favourites.

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By Ojomah Austin.

The Egyptian national football team will compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup without the seven stars that traditionally appear above their crest to celebrate the country’s record seven Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) titles.

The decision follows a reminder from FIFA that only achievements recognized under its competition regulations can be displayed on team jerseys during World Cup matches. As a result, Egypt’s iconic stars, which symbolize their continental success, will not feature on their kits throughout the tournament.

The change was confirmed by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), which disclosed that FIFA had communicated the requirement several months ago, giving the federation enough time to make the necessary adjustments.

Speaking to ESPN, EFA Media Officer Mohamed Morad Thabet explained that the move was not a disciplinary action but rather part of FIFA’s standard kit compliance procedures.

“It was a routine procedure. Four months ago, FIFA informed the Football Association regarding the issue of not displaying the Africa Cup of Nations stars on the national team’s jersey during World Cup matches,” Thabet said.

He added that the federation had anticipated the directive and had already begun preparations long before the tournament.

According to FIFA’s kit regulations, national teams are generally permitted to display stars commemorating FIFA World Cup titles. Since Egypt’s seven stars represent victories in the Africa Cup of Nations rather than World Cup triumphs, they do not meet the criteria for display during FIFA’s flagship tournament.

In addition to removing the stars, Egypt has also altered the design of its kit by changing the color of the squad numbers from gold to white. The adjustment was reportedly made to improve visibility and ensure compliance with tournament standards.

The development means that fans will see a slightly different version of the Pharaohs’ famous jersey when the team takes to the field in North America.

Egypt enters the tournament hoping to make a strong impression after securing qualification for football’s biggest stage. The North African giants open their Group G campaign against Belgium in Seattle on Monday.

They will then travel to Vancouver to face New Zealand six days later before returning to Seattle for their final group-stage encounter against Iran on June 26.

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Germany began their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey in devastating fashion, dismantling tournament newcomers Curaçao 7-1 in a dominant display. Despite the heavy defeat, the Caribbean nation celebrated a historic milestone by scoring its first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup.

Making their maiden appearance at football’s biggest tournament, Curaçao entered the match as overwhelming underdogs against the four-time world champions. However, the tiny island nation of approximately 156,000 people etched its name into World Cup history when Livano Comenencia found the back of the net in the first half.

The goal, scored in the 21st minute, marked Curaçao’s first strike at a World Cup and briefly stunned the German supporters inside the stadium.

Germany had taken an early lead just six minutes into the encounter through Felix Nmecha, who curled a brilliant effort into the corner of the net after combining well with Florian Wirtz.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side appeared set for a comfortable evening, controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the game. But Curaçao produced a memorable response when a well-worked team move culminated in Comenencia’s shot taking a slight deflection before beating veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

For a brief period, the World Cup debutants dared to dream of causing one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.

Germany quickly reasserted their superiority. Defender Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead with a powerful header from a Nathaniel Brown cross before Kai Havertz added a third goal from the penalty spot deep into first-half stoppage time after Nmecha was brought down inside the area.

The second half began in the same manner the first ended, with Germany piling pressure on their overwhelmed opponents.

Just two minutes after the restart, Jamal Musiala extended the lead to 4-1, calmly finishing after being picked out by Joshua Kimmich.

Nathaniel Brown then crowned an impressive performance by scoring his first international goal with a well-taken volley, further increasing Germany’s advantage.

Substitute Deniz Undav also got on the scoresheet as Germany continued to carve open the Curaçao defence at will.

Kai Havertz completed his brace late in the match, lifting the ball over goalkeeper Eloy Room to seal a comprehensive 7-1 victory and cap a near-perfect opening outing for the European giants.

While the scoreline reflected Germany’s quality and experience, Curaçao left the pitch with a significant achievement of their own. Their historic goal ensured the nation’s first World Cup appearance will be remembered for more than the result.

As the smallest country ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, Curaçao’s journey to the tournament has already become one of the competition’s most inspiring stories.

For Germany, the emphatic victory sends a strong message to their rivals as they pursue a fifth World Cup title. For Curaçao, despite the defeat, the night delivered a moment that will forever occupy a special place in the nation’s football history.