Spain will kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on Monday in what appears to be a David versus Goliath clash in Group H. The match, held in Atlanta, pits the five-time major tournament winners against World Cup debutants. There are 65 places separating the two nations in the latest FIFA rankings, with second-placed Spain, the reigning European champions, among the favorites to lift the trophy in North America. Spain previously won the World Cup in 2010 and triumphed at Euro 2008 and Euro 2012.
Cape Verde, while an unknown quantity to many, have reached the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals twice since 2013. This is a historic moment for the island nation off West Africa, with a population under 600,000, making it the third-smallest nation to compete at a World Cup, after Curacao and Iceland.
Date, Kick-off Time and Venue
Spain vs Cape Verde is scheduled for a 5pm BST kick-off on Monday, June 15, 2026. The match will take place at Atlanta Stadium, also known as Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in Atlanta, Georgia, home to Atlanta FC 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 on ITV1, with coverage starting at 4pm BST. Live stream: UK viewers can watch online via the ITVX app (free with sign-up) or ITV website. Live blog: Follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport's live blog. Free highlights: Available on FIFA's official YouTube channel, ITVX app, and ITV website.
Spain vs Cape Verde Team News
In a major attacking boost, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have returned to full training for Spain after missing the end of the LaLiga season with hamstring injuries. However, head coach Luis de la Fuente may limit their minutes, having previously suggested teenage star Yamal might only play "a few minutes" after not featuring for Barcelona since April. Osasuna winger Victor Munoz has also resumed training after a knock, but Fermin Lopez is out of the tournament with a broken 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; 23 of 26 operate in Europe, two in the US, and one in the UAE. Head coach Pedro Leitao Brito (Bubista) has no 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 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 Curacao's spirited but losing effort against Germany in Group E on Sunday. The Blue Sharks have proven their quality at AFCON and toppled Cameroon in World Cup qualifying, so Spain should not underestimate them. However, the gulf in class is vast, and a comfortable Spain win is expected, setting them up for matches against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Prediction: Spain to win 4-0.
Head to Head History
Monday's game will be the first-ever meeting between Spain and Cape Verde.
Spain vs Cape Verde Match Odds
Spain to win: 1/12; Cape Verde to win: 25/1; Draw: 11/1. Odds via UK betting sites (subject to change).
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