Spain begin their World Cup 2026 campaign against Cape Verde this evening.
On paper, the Group H opener in Atlanta is a David vs Goliath clash between the much-fancied five-time major tournament winners and World Cup debutants.
There are 65 places between the two nations in the latest FIFA world rankings, with No2 side Spain - the reigning European Champions - among the favourites for glory in North America this summer, having previously lifted the trophy in 2010, either side of successes at both Euro 2008 and Euro 2012.
They will hope to avoid an almighty slip-up against a Cape Verde team who may be something of an unknown quantity to the footballing public at large, but have twice reached the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) since 2013.
It is a truly momentous occasion for an island country off the west coast of Africa with a population of less than 600,000 people - the third-smallest nation ever to compete at the World Cup finals, after Curacao and Iceland.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Spain vs Cape Verde is scheduled for a 5pm BST kick-off today, Monday June 15, 2026.
The match will take place at Atlanta Stadium - AKA Mercedes-Benz Stadium - in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. That is home of Atlanta FC in the MLS and the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.
Where to watch Spain vs Cape Verde for FREE
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live and free-to-air on ITV1, with coverage starting at 4pm BST.
Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via the ITVX app - which is free with a sign-up - or ITV website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with the ITVX app and website.
Spain vs Cape Verde team news
In a major attacking boost, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are both in full training for Spain after missing the end of the LaLiga season with respective hamstring injuries.
However, it remains to be seen to what extent they will be utilised by head coach Luis de la Fuente in a game that La Roja will be expected to win comfortably, having previously said that teenage superstar Yamal may only get “a few minutes” on the pitch having not played for Barcelona since April.
Osasuna winger Victor Munoz has similarly resumed training after a knock sustained on club duty that also forced him to miss warm-up friendlies against Iraq and Peru, though Fermin Lopez is missing the tournament with a broken bone in his foot.
Spain squad
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia
Defenders: Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo
Midfielders: Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Pedri, Gavi, Fabian Ruiz, Alex Baena
Forwards: Yeremy Pino, Victor Munoz, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Borja Iglesias
Cape Verde’s squad features no domestic-based players, with 23 of the 26 operating in Europe, two in the United States and one in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Head coach Pedro Leitao Brito - better known as Bubista - is not believed to be sweating on any injury concerns, with the Blue Sharks captained by former Nottingham Forest loanee Ryan Mendes - their all-time leading goalscorer and appearance-maker.
Fellow forward Nuno da Costa also had a previous spell at the City Ground.
Cape Verde squad
Goalkeepers: Vozinha, Marcio Rosa, CJ dos Santos
Defenders: Stopira, Roberto Lopes, Joao Paulo, Diney, Logan Costa, Steven Moreira, Wagner Pina, Sidny Lopes Cabral, Kelvin Pires
Midfielders: Jamiro Monteiro, Kevin Pina, Deroy Duarte, Telmo Arcanjo, Laros Duarte, Yannick Semedo
Forwards: Ryan Mendes, Garry Rodrigues, Willy Semedo, Jovane Cabral, Gilson Tavares, Dailon Livramento, Helio Varela, Nuno da Costa
Spain vs Cape Verde prediction
Cape Verde will take heart from fellow minnows Curacao’s spirited opening showing against Germany in Group E on Sunday, even if they ended up on the receiving end of a heavy defeat in Houston.
The Blue Sharks have proven their quality and tournament capabilities at AFCON more than once in recent times, as well as toppling Cameroon in World Cup qualifying, so Spain would do well not to underestimate them.
However, the gulf in class between these two sides is just too vast to even remotely consider anything other than a comfortable Spain win that will set them up nicely ahead of meetings with Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, as they justify their billing as many people’s tournament favourites.
Spain to win, 4-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Monday’s game will be the first-ever meeting between Spain and Cape Verde.
Spain vs Cape Verde match odds
Odds via UK betting sites (subject to change).
