Let Roja Group H as clear big favorites, not only for Monday’s game, but for the entire World Cup.
Spain will face Cape Verde in their World Cup opener.
Spain begin their World Cup 2026 campaign on Monday, when they take on the tournament debutants from Cape Verde in Atlanta.
The reigning European champions arrive in the United States in sparkling form – they have gone ten games unbeaten and won seven of them.
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Spain finished their preparations with a convincing 3-1 win over Peru and are expected to get off to a strong start in a group that also includes Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
For Cape Verde, this is a historic occasion. The Blue Sharks are in the World Cup finals for the first time after an impressive qualifying campaign, and they come into the championship with good momentum after two straight 3-0 wins in friendlies against Serbia and Bermuda.
Team news for Spain vs Cape Verde
Spain have seen a resurgence as Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are back in full training after struggling with injuries recently.
However, both players are expected to start on the bench, as De la Fuente will manage their load before tougher tests later in the group stage.
Víctor Muñoz is still uncertain due to muscle fatigue, which could open the door for Ferran Torres and Álex Baena to start alongside Mikel Oyarzabal in attack.
Pedro Porro is expected to start at right-back, while Rodri, Pedri and Fabián Ruiz are likely to make up Spain’s first known midfield trio.
Cape Verde has no injuries or doubts before their World Cup debut.
Predicted Spain vs. Cape Verde line-ups
Spain’s predicted XI: Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Fabián Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, Álex Baena
Cape Verde’s predicted XI: Vozinha; Steven Moreira, Logan Costa, Roberto Lopes, João Paulo; Kevin Pina, Deroy Duarte; Ryan Mendes, Jovane Cabral, Gilson Tavares; Dailon Livramento
Where to watch Spain vs. Cape Verde
Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 local time in Atlanta on Monday, which is equivalent to 18:00 Norwegian time.
In Norway, the match can be seen on NRK or Viaplay, depending on the rights.
Spain vs Cape Verde facts
- This will be the first ever meeting between Spain and Cape Verde.
- Spain are unbeaten in their last ten matches across all competitions.
- La Roja have won seven of those ten games.
- Spain have not progressed from the last eight in any of the previous three World Cup finals.
- Spain’s last World Cup triumph came in 2010.
- Cape Verde is participating in a FIFA World Cup for the first time.
- The Blue Sharks have won their last three games.
- Cape Verde have scored nine goals and conceded zero in those three victories.
- Ryan Mendes is Cape Verde’s all-time top scorer with 22 international goals.
- Spain is ranked among the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup.
Spain vs. Cape Verde predictions
Cape Verde deserves huge credit for reaching their first World Cup, but Spain have significantly greater quality in all areas of the pitch and should control the game from start to finish.
The European champions can rotate their attacking options a bit with a long championship ahead, but they should be too much to handle for the tournament debutants.
A comfortable Spanish victory seems like the most likely outcome.
Tips: Spain 3-0 Cape Verde
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