Spain's World Cup nightmare continues.

The European champions were held to a 0-0 draw by debutants Cape Verde in Atlanta on Monday, a result that brings back memories of their knockout-stage failures in 2018 and 2022.

Since winning the World Cup in 2010, Spain haven't won a single knockout game. Their inability to turn possession into goals against a team ranked 67th in the world was painfully familiar.

Lamine Yamal started on the bench. The Barcelona superstar is being eased back after nearly two months out with a hamstring injury. Even his second-half introduction couldn't unlock Cape Verde's dogged defence.

Nico Williams also had an injury-disrupted season at Athletic Bilbao. He didn't come on until the 87th minute.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente had called this squad the best in the competition. Before the game, Spain were considered pre-tournament favourites to lift the trophy on July 19. After this performance, those predictions look shaky.

Atlanta's state-of-the-art air conditioned stadium meant heat wasn't an excuse. Yet Spain's build-up was slow and pedestrian. Fans even booed the mid-half hydration break, frustrated by the stop in play despite the cool conditions.

It took until six minutes before half-time for Spain to seriously threaten. Marc Cucurella, fresh from sealing his move from Chelsea to Real Madrid, sent over a teasing cross that Ferran Torres turned onto the crossbar. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha got back to his feet to turn Mikel Oyarzabal's looping header over the bar.

Torres tested Vozinha again moments later. Aymeric Laporte's header from a corner was also clawed away just before half-time.

The break came at a good time for the Blue Sharks. They comfortably held out in the second period until Yamal's entrance after the second hydration break.

Billed as one of the tournament's stars, Yamal instantly lifted the crowd and injected life into Spain's attack. His first involvement set up a decent opening for fellow substitute Mikel Merino, but the shot was too close to Vozinha. Yamal also began the move that saw Oyarzabal's effort deflected over — Spain's best chance of the second half.

Cape Verde nearly snatched a famous victory in the final minute. Dani Borges planted a header too close to Unai Simon.

Spain's road to victory in 2010 also began disappointingly — they lost to Switzerland. But this team has much to work on ahead of facing Saudi Arabia in Atlanta on Sunday.

Cape Verde next take on Uruguay in Miami.

For a nation of just over 500,000 people, this was a debut to remember. They did their country proud.