A remarkable statistic has emerged following the opening Group Stage match between Spain and Cape Verde at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which ended in a 0-0 draw. The match saw Cape Verde achieving a historic milestone by committing only one foul.
According to football statistician MisterChip (Alexis), this single foul is the fewest ever recorded by a team in a FIFA World Cup match since comprehensive tournament broadcasts began in 1966. The previous record for the lowest number of fouls was held by Costa Rica and Germany, both of whom committed three fouls in their respective matches in 2022 and 1974.
- Costa Rica – 3 fouls (against Germany, 2022)
- Germany – 3 fouls (against Chile, 1974)