Incredible statistics! The Spaniard did not touch the ball in the first 30 minutes of the duel with Cape Verde
Article by Tudor Belivacă – Published Monday, June 15, 2026, 8:28 p.m. / Updated Monday, June 15, 2026, 8:28 p.m.
Mikel Oyarzabal started the match between Spain and Cape Verde, and against the backdrop of a poor performance by the Iberians, he recorded an incredible milestone: in the first 30 minutes, he did not manage to touch the ball even once! According to the statisticians at OPTA, this is the first time since this statistic has been made, that is, since 1966, that this has happened.
Worst World Cup debut: Oyarzabal didn't touch the ball in the first 30 minutes Spain – Cape Verde
“0 – Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal is the first player in history, since 1966, to play the first 30 minutes of a FIFA World Cup match without touching the ball once,” OPTA wrote on social media.
After 30 minutes, Mikel Oyarzabal managed to touch the ball 11 times but failed to score or create much danger. In the first half Spain recorded 70% possession.
Mikel Oyarzabal played his entire career at Real Sociedad. He has been with the senior team since 2016. He has 437 games, 133 goals and 65 assists in all competitions for the Spanish outfit. This season he played 40 matches, scored 18 goals and provided 4 decisive assists. It is quoted by specialized websites at 25 million euros. Oyarzabal has 54 matches and 25 goals for the Spanish national team
On the other hand, Gavi also ticked off an impressive milestone: he is only the sixth player in history to tick off appearances at a World Cup before turning 21. The other five are Pele, Norman Whiteside, Rigobert Song, Salomon Olembe and Samuel Eto'o.
