Spain begin their World Cup 2026 campaign against Cape Verde this evening in what appears to be a David versus Goliath clash. The Group H opener in Atlanta pits the much-fancied five-time major tournament winners against World Cup debutants.
World Cup 2026: Spain vs Cape Verde
There are 65 places between the two nations in the latest FIFA world rankings. Spain, ranked second, are the reigning European Champions and among the favourites for glory in North America this summer. They previously lifted the trophy in 2010, alongside successes at Euro 2008 and Euro 2012.
Cape Verde may be an unknown quantity to the footballing public, but they have twice reached the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) since 2013. This is a momentous occasion for the island country off the west coast of Africa, which has a population of less than 600,000 people. They are 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 (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. It is the 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 (free with sign-up) or the ITV website.
Live blog: Follow all the action 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. 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. 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 (Bubista) is not believed to be sweating on any injury concerns. The Blue Sharks are 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. However, the gulf in class between these two sides is too vast to consider anything other than a comfortable Spain win. Prediction: 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
- Spain to win: 1/18
- Cape Verde to win: 25/1
- Draw: 9/1
Odds via UK betting sites (subject to change). Gambling can be addictive, always play responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Gambling sites have tools to help you stay in control, including deposit limits and time outs. If you think you have a problem, advice and support is available from BeGambleAware or Gamcare. Terms & Conditions apply to all offers.
