Mikel Oyarzabal went without touching the ball for the first 39 minutes of Spain's Group H opener against Cape Verde at the FIFA World Cup 2026 — the longest a player has gone without a touch in a World Cup match since 1966.

A first half of dominance without reward

Spain controlled proceedings from the first whistle, firing 13 shots and generating 1.33 expected goals in the opening 45 minutes. Yet, remarkably, they went into the break level at 0-0, thwarted time and again by Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha, who produced a string of heroic saves to keep his side in the contest.

Spain maintained 70 percent possession and completed more than double the passes of their opponents. Cape Verde managed just three shots in return, carrying a combined xG of a mere 0.04 — an almost negligible attacking threat.

Oyarzabal's record-breaking absence

With Lamine Yamal absent from the frontline, the onus fell on Oyarzabal to lead Spain's attack. The Real Sociedad striker had enjoyed a productive La Liga campaign in 2025/26, scoring 15 goals across 34 appearances and averaging over 37 touches per game for his club.

None of that involvement was evident in the opening half-hour. Oyarzabal did not receive a single touch until just before the 40th minute — marking the first time since 1966 that a player had gone so long without touching the ball in a World Cup fixture.

When he did eventually get involved, the 29-year-old produced two headed chances late in the half. One forced a save from Vozinha; the other flew wide of the right post. It was a frustrating cameo, but a sign that Spain's coaching staff under Luis De La Fuente needed to find better ways to feed their striker.

A result Spain will want to put behind them

The match ended 0-0, a result that flattered neither side but perhaps hurt Spain more, given their overwhelming share of the ball and chances created. If De La Fuente's side are to progress from Group H, getting Oyarzabal on the ball earlier — and more often — looks essential.