Here is a look at the xG (expected goals) stats from Spain vs Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup. Despite having 27 total shots and 74% ball possession, Spain were unable to score a goal and the game ended in a 0-0 draw.
xG Spain 2.03-0.21 Cape Verde shots map (Actual score ESP 0-0 CPV)
Spain didn’t really create too many high xG chances- their best chance of the game was probably the double opportunity that fell to Ferran Torres (hit crossbar) and Oyarzabal (header saved by Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha) in the 39th minute.
Only 7 of Spain’s 27 total shots were on target.
As stunning as it sounds, despite defending for most of the game, Cape Verde committed only 1 foul in the whole game (Spain committed 10 fouls by comparison)
Cape Verde’s only notable chance on xG was a 91st minute header.
Key match stats for Spain vs Cape Verde 0-0
Total Shots: Spain 27, Cape Verde 6
On target: Spain 7, Cape Verde 1
Possession: Spain 74%, Cape Verde 26%
Corners: Spain 11, Cape Verde 1
Fouls committed: Spain 10, Cape Verde 1
Some very clean defending from Cape Verde there. That 1 foul stat, against Spain of all teams, is quite stunning.
Would’ve probably been a different game if Yamal had been fit from the start…he caused Cape Verde problems when he came on.