Rodri’s Spain held to stalemate in World Cup opener with Cape Verde | OneFootball

Rodri played 86 minutes of Spain’s 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their opening Group H game of the 2026 World Cup.

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Spain were patient in the first half, finding it difficult to break through Cape Verde’s compact back line and overpopulated midfield.

Their best chance of the opening 45 minutes was orchestrated by our Ballon d’Or winner.

Captaining his nation, Rodri played a ball over the top to the on-running Marc Cucurella who headed the ball back across the face of the Cape Verde goal before Ferran Torres’ close range shot was denied by the crossbar.

Spain continued to probe in the second half against the smallest nation to ever compete in the World Cup and upped the intensity at the hour mark.

Despite their total domination, with 74% possession and 25 shots, seven of which were on target, La Roja couldn’t find the breakthrough with chances for Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres and Mikel Merino not dangerous enough to test Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha.

Cape Verde almost stole the victory late on with a Diney Borges header in added time, but it flew straight into the hands of goalkeeper Unai Simon and as a result the points were shared at the Atlanta Stadium.

Rodri and Spain will now begin preparing for their second Group H game which will see them face Saudi Arabia at 17:00 (UK) on Sunday 21st June at the Atlanta Stadium.