Cape Verde stunned Spain in the World Cup on Monday, earning a draw against a tournament favorite in the teams’ opening match.
Spain is ranked No. 2 in the world, while Cabo Verde is No. 67, and making its debut in the World Cup.
Spain pressured Cape Verde all game — shot attempts were 27 to 6 in favor of the reigning European champions. But goalkeeper Vozinha stopped all seven shots that made it on goal.
Much of Cape Verde’s U.S. population is located in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, where there were ecstatic celebrations on Monday.
Cape Verdeans cheer an unlikely tie between Cape Verde and Spain in the World Cup during a watch party held at Praia Vibes Bar & Grill in New Bedford, Massachusetts, on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Cape Verdeans had gathered at Boston Logan International Airport two weeks ago to welcome the Blue Sharks to the United States for the tournament.
As Cape Verde’s soccer team arrived in Boston for the World Cup, fans were at the airport to cheer their small island nation on.
The African island nation topped its qualifying group to become the second-smallest country, by population, to make it to a World Cup. Only Iceland, which played in the 2018 tournament, is smaller.
“It’s a significant moment for our country,” said Ed Lopes, who was at the airport. “Small country but in a big stage, so, wow, I had to be here.”
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A woman holds the Cape Verdean flag at Boston Logan International Airport on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, as the country’s soccer team arrived in the U.S.
“Always I will be here to support my country,” said Vanilda Da Rosa. “And they deserve it, because they work hard. It is a blast to be in the World Cup for us.”
The Tubarões Azuis also marched in the Dorchester Day Parade.
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A Cape Verdean soccer team flag at Boston Logan International Airport on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, as the country’s soccer team arrived in the U.S.