Spain's shock goalless draw against World Cup debutants Cape Verde has done little to shake the belief of one of the nation's greatest footballers. Alexia Putellas, the two-time Ballon d'Or winner and captain of Spain's women's side, has declared she is "100% confident" the men's team can still lift the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy.
Quick Facts
Fixture: Spain 0-0 Cape Verde (Group H, Matchday 1)
Date: Monday, June 15, 2026
Venue: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
Reaction: Alexia Putellas backs Spain to bounce back
Spain's Night to Forget
La Roja entered the tournament as one of the favourites, boasting a squad packed with elite talent from Europe's top clubs. But they were left red-faced by the minnows from Cape Verde, who defended resolutely and held on for a historic point. The result was immediately labelled one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, piling pressure on manager Luis de la Fuente ahead of a crucial second group game against Saudi Arabia.
Putellas Voices Unwavering Support
Despite the setback, Putellas has offered a passionate defence of the team. In an interview with FourFourTwo, the Barcelona star said:
"I am 100% confident that Spain can win this World Cup. It was a difficult start, but there is still a long way to go. This team has shown time and again that they can respond to adversity. We must stay united and trust in our quality."
Putellas, who led Spain's women to glory at the 2023 Women's World Cup, knows a thing or two about overcoming obstacles on the biggest stage. Her words carry weight, and they will be welcomed by a fanbase growing anxious after the opening draw.
What Next for Spain?
The four-time world champions now face a must-win clash with Saudi Arabia, who were hammered 6-0 by Uruguay in the group's other fixture. A dominant performance is essential not only to secure three points but to restore belief within the camp. With stars like Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal expected to return to the starting XI after being rotated, Spain have the firepower to get their campaign back on track.
Key Takeaways
- Alexia Putellas has expressed total confidence Spain can win World Cup 2026 after 0-0 draw with Cape Verde.
- The result is considered one of the tournament's biggest shocks, putting immediate pressure on manager Luis de la Fuente.
- Spain's next game is against Saudi Arabia, where a strong response is expected.
- Putellas highlighted the team's history of resilience and urged fans to stay behind the players.