Spain seeks first win against Saudi Arabia after shock goalless draw with debutants Cape Verde

The pressure on Spain

Spain entered the 2026 World Cup as one of the favorites, but a goalless draw against Cape Verde on June 15 left the European champions with only one point from their opening match. Spanish media called the result an embarrassment and a disgrace. Coach Luis de la Fuente's side dominated possession and produced 23 shots, but they could not get past Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, whose performance made him a social media sensation.

We must do the same, but with a tiny bit more intensity.

The team now faces Saudi Arabia on June 21 in Atlanta. Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi called for more cutting edge in front of goal and higher tempo to wear down the opponent and create spaces.

Key player fitness and transfer chatter

Spain's preparations have been complicated by injuries and transfer speculation. Teenage star Lamine Yamal, who has not played a full match since April 22 due to a thigh problem, appeared as a substitute in the 71st minute against Cape Verde. Coach De la Fuente stated Yamal could play "an hour" against Saudi Arabia, but he did not confirm whether the 18-year-old would start or come off the bench. Fellow winger Nico Williams is in a similar situation, while midfielder Mikel Merino is recovering from a foot injury. Off the pitch, Marc Cucurella has completed a move to Real Madrid and Victor Muñoz joined Liverpool, with Alex Grimaldo linked to a departure from Bayer Leverkusen.

I'm in the middle of my return-to-play phase, it is not the right moment to play a whole match, but I can play as many minutes as the coach wants.

Saudi Arabia's upset credentials

Saudi Arabia, coached by Georgios Donis, drew 1-1 with Uruguay in their opener and sit level on one point with Spain and the rest of Group H. The Gulf nation has recent World Cup pedigree: in 2022 they stunned eventual champions Argentina in the group stage, a result that prompted a national holiday. Key players for the Saudis include captain Salem Al-Dawsari and defender Saud Abdulhamid. All four Group H teams have one point, but Saudi Arabia and Uruguay hold the edge on goals scored.

The rest of Sunday's World Cup action

Three other matches complete the June 21 slate. Belgium face Iran in Los Angeles (21:00 CEST), with both sides seeking a first win after respective draws. Uruguay play Cape Verde in Miami (00:00 CEST), where the two-time champions must win to avoid a second consecutive group-stage exit; Cape Verde's defense, marshaled by Vozinha, will be tested again. In Vancouver, New Zealand meet Egypt (03:00 CEST) with Mohamed Salah's side aiming for a first knockout-round appearance since 1934.

Cape Verde's point against World Cup favorites Spain is so far the underdog story of this World Cup.