Spain’s 0-0 draw with Cape Verde was costly — more than the two points the Spaniards left on the table in the 2026 World Cup standings.
A Polymarkets bettor wagered nearly $1 million on Spain to win the Group H matchup, only to see that total wiped out by the tie with the No. 67 Tubarões Azuis on Monday.
Instead, 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha made seven official saves for a clean sheet and what can be considered a massive upset of an international soccer powerhouse.
The shocking bet came as No. 3 Spain entered the match with 92% odds to win and would have won the bettor nearly $86,000.
“All of us, we are happy because we work a lot to be here. We deserve to be here,” Vozinha said.
The performance earned the iconic keeper over four million followers on Instagram — and one other Polymarket better a seven-figure sum.
According to the prediction market, someone using the handle “fishalive” put $427,000 on Spain to not win against Cape Verde, a trade that paid out over $4.7 million.
That big bets are flying on the World Cup is no surprise.
The wide field creates plenty of opportunities for upsets and Cinderella runs.
Betting on the World Cup?
Cape Verde is slated to continue its underdog story on Sunday, June 21 against No. 18 Uruguay in a matchup sure to court more deep-pocketed bettors.
For now, the African nation that counts a population of just 525,000 and is making its World Cup debut is enjoying the ride.
“This means everything for our country,” Cape Verde coach Pedro Leitão Brito said. “We have always said that we wanted everybody to see our country, our team and we have shown organization and braveness and this is proof of what our country is about — resilience and to try to overcome hardships.”
