Lamine Yamal and Spain were set to be the headliners on June 15 during the first-ever World Cup match held in Atlanta. At the end of the day, tiny Cabo Verde — and its goalkeeper, Vozinha — authored one of the biggest stories in world football history with a stunning 0-0 draw against La Roja. No matter what the Blue Sharks do from this point on in the tournament, they’ll return to their country as heroes.
Tyler was downtown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to capture reaction before, during, and after the match, including reaction from Cape Verdean fans in town for the match.
With four more group stage matches to go, as well as three knockout stage matches (including a semifinal on July 15), Atlanta’s World Cup journey is just beginning. Click here for a schedule of the remaining matches at the Benz. If you’re reading this from out of town and are planning to head to Atlanta, our World Cup guide has more on what to do, see, and eat.
Can’t make it to the stadium? There’s no shortage of places across Metro Atlanta to catch the action, including FIFA’s official Fan Festival in Centennial Olympic Park and Decatur WatchFest. Click here for a list of viewing locations, including a map.
Every week, Scarves and Spikes brings you original interviews, on-site coverage, live shows/podcasts, and the analysis you won’t find at the bigger national outlets. With 2026 being a World Cup year, Atlanta United facing yet another important transfer window, the U.S. Soccer National Training Center setting up shop in the Atlanta area, and NWSL Atlanta kicking off in 2028, your support helps us do even more.
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