Spain's shots miss the mark, held to a draw by Cape Verde

Spain's opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers ended in a surprising 0-0 draw against Cape Verde. The Spanish team, heavily favored, dominated possession with 62% of the ball and launched an impressive 27 shots. However, their attacking efforts proved futile against a determined Cape Verde side, with only 7 shots on target.

The match highlighted a critical inefficiency in Spain's offense. Despite boasting talented midfielders like Pedri, Rodri, and Gavi, their forwards, including Oyarzabal and Ferran Torres, struggled to find the back of the net. The team's inability to capitalize on their numerous opportunities suggests a significant challenge ahead if they are to advance in the tournament.

While a draw is not a catastrophic result, it falls short of the convincing performance expected from a European champion. Spain must now regroup and demonstrate a more effective and decisive style of play to satisfy their fans and improve their standing in the World Cup qualifiers.