Spain launch their 2026 World Cup campaign on Monday when they go head to head with debutants Cape Verde at 5pm (UK time).
Champions in 2010 and the reigning kings of Europe, Luis de la Fuente’s side are among the favourites to go all the way to glory in North America. Although, La Roja’s recent World Cup record is incredibly modest by their standards. Their title defence ended at the group stage in 2014, while their last two appearances have yielded successive last-16 exits on penalties.
Cape Verde, meanwhile, are the third-smallest nation and 14th from Africa to appear at the finals, having topped a CAF qualifying group ahead of former quarter-finalists Cameroon. Led by former captain Bubista, the Blue Sharks will look to follow in the footsteps of fellow African side Senegal by defeating a top nation on debut, 24 years after the Lions of Teranga stunned reigning champions France.
The Atlanta Stadium provides the setting for what will be the first ever meeting between the nations. Spain were eliminated by African opposition on penalties four years ago in Morocco, though Nigeria (in 1998) are the only team from the CAF confederation to defeat them after 90 minutes at the finals.
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Spain vs Cape Verde team news
Spain team news
Spain have been boosted by the return to fitness of Lamine Yamal, who was back in training this week ahead of their World Cup opener. Nico Williams is also available again for La Roja, following his recent injury struggles. Both should operate from the wings, unless De la Fuente decides not to risk them just yet.
As with all areas of the field, the European champions are spoilt for choice between the sticks, with Unai Simon, David Raya and Joan Garcia. There appeared to be question marks recently over the security of Simon’s position, especially after Raya’s superb season for title-winning Arsenal. However, the Athletic Club stopper may still get the nod.
The defence will look slightly different to the one that helped Spain win all seven matches on the way to European glory. With Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand no longer in the picture, the youth of Pau Cubarsi could join the more experienced Aymeric Laporte in the heart of defence, while Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente may just get the nod ahead of Tottenham’s Pedro Porro at right-back.
Despite only just getting back to full fitness, you would expect Rodri to anchor the midfield, alongside Pedri and Paris Saint-Germain’s Fabian Ruiz, though Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi is a more than capable replacement if called upon.
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Cape Verde team news
Bubista favours a 4-2-3-1 formation built on defensive organisation and a possession-based style of play, while they focus their play down the wings.
Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who made his international debut back in 2008, is a certain starter between the sticks. The defensive line can be a little slow, so including the likes of Logan Costa and Sidney Lopes Cabral would bring some much-needed youth and energy.
Jamiro Monteiro pulls the strings in the middle of the park, and will likely operate in a more attacking role. Though now aged 36, captain Ryan Mendes will probably start on the right wing, with Willy Semedo operating off the left, though Telmo Arcanjo and Garry Rodrigues are also options for Bubista.
Dailon Livramento was the joint-leading scorer in the qualifying group with four goals, and he is a certainty to lead the Blues Sharks’ line.
Spain vs Cape Verde predicted lineups
Spain (4-3-3): Simon; Llorente, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams.
Cape Verde (4-2-3-1): Vozinha; Cabral, Costa, Diney, Joao Paulo; Semedo, Pina; Mendes, Monteiro, Semedo; Livramento.
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