Senegal stunned defending champions France in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup, marking one of the tournament's greatest upsets. The victory set the tone for a surprising campaign by Senegal, who advanced beyond the group stage in their World Cup debut.
Cape Verde also made headlines by holding Spain to a 0-0 draw in their first-ever World Cup appearance. The resilient performance against a strong Spanish side underscored the competitive spirit often seen in World Cup upsets.
These matches exemplify how emerging football nations can challenge established powers on the sport's biggest stage, creating memorable moments for fans worldwide.
Sources: https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/sports/four-notable-world-cup-upsets-NV_235604_062026