World Cup 2026: Spain vs Cape Verde – Preview, team news, key facts and kick-off time

Cape Verde and Spain begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday when they face off in a fascinating Group H encounter in Atlanta.

While La Roja enter the tournament as one of the favourites to challenge for the trophy, Cape Verde are preparing for a historic moment as they make their first-ever appearance on football's biggest stage.

Spain Looking to End Recent World Cup Frustrations

Despite lifting the World Cup in 2010, Spain have struggled to replicate that success in recent editions of the tournament.

La Roja suffered a group-stage exit in 2014 before being eliminated in the Round of 16 in both 2018 and 2022. Those disappointments have increased expectations for a talented Spanish squad that many believe is capable of mounting a serious title challenge this summer.

Spain arrive in excellent form for the tournament, having defeated Peru 3-1 in their final warm-up match before the tournament. They are unbeaten in their last ten matches across all competitions, recording seven victories during that run.

With Saudi Arabia and Uruguay also in Group H, Spain are widely expected to top the section and will be eager to make a strong statement in their opening fixture.

Cape Verde Ready for a Historic Debut

For Cape Verde, Monday's match represents a historic moment in the nation's football history. The Blue Sharks secured qualification for the World Cup after finishing ahead of Cameroon in their qualifying group, earning a place at the tournament for the first time.

Confidence is high within Bubista's squad following a strong build-up to the competition. Cape Verde have won each of their last three matches, including impressive 3-0 victories over Serbia and Bermuda in their final preparation games.

Although they enter the tournament as underdogs, Cape Verde will believe they have an opportunity to compete for qualification from the group, particularly against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in their remaining fixtures.

First-Ever Meeting Between the Nations

This will be the first competitive meeting between Spain and Cape Verde.

On paper, it is one of the most uneven matchups in the group stage, with Spain boasting significantly greater experience and quality throughout their squad. However, Cape Verde will be determined to embrace the occasion and test one of the tournament favourites.

Team News

Spain have received a major boost with both Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams returning to full training after recent injury concerns.

However, neither player is expected to start, with the pair likely to be introduced from the bench if required.

Victor Munoz remains a doubt due to muscular overload, which could open the door for Ferran Torres and Alex Baena to start alongside Mikel Oyarzabal in attack.

Pedro Porro is expected to feature at right-back, while Fabian Ruiz, Rodri and Pedri are likely to form Spain's midfield trio.

Cape Verde have no injury concerns heading into the contest and are expected to field a strong lineup.

Veteran forward Ryan Mendes, the nation's all-time leading scorer with 22 goals in 97 appearances, is expected to lead the attack. Dailon Livramento should also feature after scoring seven goals in 22 international appearances, while Logan Costa is set to marshal the defence.

Possible Starting Lineups

Spain: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Ferran Torres, Oyarzabal, Baena.

Cape Verde: Vozinha; Moreira, Costa, Pico, Paulo; Semedo, Pina; Mendes, Monteiro, Cabral; Dailon.

Key Facts

Spain are unbeaten in their last ten matches in all competitions.

La Roja have won seven of those ten matches.

Cape Verde have won each of their last three matches.

The Blue Sharks defeated both Serbia and Bermuda 3-0 in their final pre-World Cup friendlies.

This will be Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup match.

Match Details

The Group H encounter between Spain and Cape Verde will take place on Monday, June 15.

Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Prediction

Spain possess significantly more quality, depth and tournament experience than their opponents and should have enough firepower to begin their World Cup campaign with a victory. Cape Verde's organisation and recent form could make them competitive for periods, but containing Spain for 90 minutes will be a formidable challenge.

Prediction: Spain 3-0 Cape Verde.