Spain were held to a 0-0 draw by World Cup debutants Cabo Verde in their Group H opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. By the 75th minute, Spain had 72 percent of the ball and still could not find a way through. The final tally read 27 shots. Zero goals. And one very uncomfortable question hanging over Luis de la Fuente's squad heading into Sunday's meeting with Saudi Arabia.
Did Spain's Performance Prove Their Dependence on Lamine Yamal?
The answer, based on what unfolded in Atlanta, is hard to argue against. Spain struggled against a brave, well-organized Cabo Verde side, and you could tangibly feel Yamal's absence. His image had been filling billboards on the sides of skyscrapers all across Atlanta -- but for 70 minutes, he was not on the pitch. Spain started Ferran Torres at right wing with the intention of having him drive play through the middle. Cabo Verde did not allow the 26-year-old to shine, and he had little impact on the game.
That is the core problem. Without Yamal, Spain's attack is technically proficient but ultimately predictable. They dominated possession and completed more than double the number of passes compared to their opponents, yet they lacked the necessary cutting edge to turn that overwhelming possession into a breakthrough. Pass after pass went sideways. The buildup was patient. The final product was almost non-existent.
Chances Came and Went
Spain's clearest first-half opening came when Ferran Torres struck the crossbar after being set up by Marc Cucurella. The ball rebounded to Mikel Oyarzabal, whose instinctive header forced an outstanding save from Vozinha. The 40-year-old Cabo Verde goalkeeper made a tremendous sprawling stop to keep out Aymeric Laporte's header on the stroke of half-time. Chances were there. None went in. That is partly on finishing, but it is also on the quality of service being created before the final third.
On 71 minutes, De la Fuente called for Yamal off the bench, and the teenager's presence immediately changed the complexion of the game. Yamal drove past defenders, combined with Dani Olmo to create a late opening for Oyarzabal, but Roberto Lopes produced a vital block to preserve the deadlock. The impact was instant and obvious. So was the timing -- it came too late to change the result.
Can Spain Win the 2026 World Cup Without Yamal Starting?
That is where the real concern lies for De la Fuente. Coach Luis de la Fuente had confirmed a day earlier that Yamal was fit but not yet ready to start. The consequences were there for the world to see. The plan was always to ease him back gradually. That plan now looks like it needs an urgent rethink.
Spain have the squad depth to manage possession against anyone. What they do not have is another player capable of manufacturing something from nothing when a low defensive block sits deep and invites pressure. Yamal is not merely a winger -- he is the difference between Spain's buildup play being comfortable and it being dangerous. That distinction cost them dearly on Monday.
History Offers Some Context
History does offer some context. Spain lost their opening group game at the 2010 World Cup to Switzerland and went on to win the tournament. Argentina, the 2022 champions, were beaten by Saudi Arabia in their opening match before recovering to lift the trophy. A single dropped point in the group stage is not a crisis. But the manner of this performance — 75 percent possession, 27 shots, no goals, and no clear creative output without one specific player -- points to a structural vulnerability that better teams than Cabo Verde will absolutely exploit.
Víctor Muñoz offers a potential outlet, but he is no Yamal. Nico Williams, introduced late alongside Yamal on Monday, adds width but is also still working back to full sharpness. Spain's options beyond their two main men are solid footballers. They are not game-changers.
Sunday against Saudi Arabia is not exactly a free hit, but it is the best chance Spain will get in Group H to regroup and find some answers. Whether Yamal starts from the first whistle this time around will tell you a lot about how De la Fuente reads the situation.
