Sports

Spain Draws with Cape Verde in World Cup Qualifier, Echoes Past Slow Starts

Spain opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with an unexpected draw against Cape Verde, a result that, despite their history of slow starts in tournaments, surprised many, including the Spanish team itself.

ESPN·Jun 15, 2026·via ESPN

Spain Draws with Cape Verde in World Cup Qualifier, Echoes Past Slow Starts

Spain have a history of starting slowly at World Cups before finding their form, but nobody -- not even them -- expected to open 2026 with a draw against tiny Cape Verde.

_Originally reported by [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49074414/spain-world-cup-shock-draw-cape-verde-lamine-yamal)._

Source Attribution

This story is summarized from coverage by ESPN.

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