The 2026 FIFA World Cup has kicked off, and the first week has already showcased a remarkable story. Cape Verde entered their match against Spain with odds at 28-1.
With a population of just 70,000, Cape Verde is currently ranked 64th in the world by FIFA, while Spain holds the third position.
Despite Spain dominating possession at over 70%, they couldn’t find the back of the net, leading to a 0-0 draw at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
This surprising outcome can be largely credited to Cape Verde’s goalkeeper, Vosinha. The 40-year-old made an impressive seven saves and faced a staggering 27 shots during the match.
In light of his performance, Vosinha’s Instagram following has skyrocketed. He now boasts more followers than all active MLB and NHL players, as well as all but one NFL player.
Currently, Vosinha has 12.6 million followers on Instagram, a significant increase from less than 60,000 at the start of the tournament.
He has even surpassed sports stars like Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani (10.7 million) and Lakers player Luka Doncic (10.8 million). This clearly illustrates the profound impact the World Cup has on player visibility and popularity.
Cape Verde’s debut at the World Cup couldn’t have gone better, drawing with Spain in their first Group H match. Vosinha, who’s spent the past two years at Grupo Desportivo de Chaves in Portugal’s second division but hasn’t often been a starting player, truly shined in this critical moment.
It was a performance that Cape Verde fans will cherish for years to come.
When is Cape Verde’s next World Cup match?
Cape Verde is set to play Uruguay on Sunday at 3 PM PT. Fans can catch the game on FS1 and Telemundo, with streaming available via YouTube TV (subscription required).
In Group H, comprising Spain, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, and Cape Verde, each team will acquire one point through the tournament.
