Spain will be targeting nothing but a victory in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match against Cape Verde in Group H in Atlanta on Monday.
Kick-off is at 6pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
La Roja are enjoying a 30-match unbeaten run in regulation time which started in 2024, having claimed a convincing 3-1 win over Peru in their final international friendly on June 9.
The European champions, who will also face Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group H, are overwhelming favourites to win Group H due to their world-class squad, excellent depth and a dominant qualifying campaign.
Meanwhile, Cape Verde thrashed Bermuda 3-0 in their last international friendly on June 6, extending their unbeaten run to three games ahead of their historic first World Cup appearance.
The Blue Sharks will be keen to start their Group H campaign with a solid performance by staying compact, frustrating Spain’s attacks, and looking for counter-attacking opportunities against a much-fancied opponent.
TEAM NEWS
Spain duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have trained fully after overcoming recent hamstring issues and should be available, which is a massive boost for Luis de la Fuente's side.
On the other hand, Cape Verde continue to manage Logan Costa's fitness after a long-term ACL injury earlier this season, but key players like Ryan Mendes and Vozinha are fit and ready.
Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh will officiate the game, assisted by his compatriots Mohammad Alkalaf and Ahmad Alroalle.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal
“We need to take it one step at a time," Oyarzabal told FIFA.
"Even though this format is a little more forgiving than others, a single slip-up can land you in hot water. We need to get through this first stage, and then there will be time to think about what comes next if everything goes to plan.”
Cape Verde head coach Bubista
“When we qualified, I said that we wanted to play the best teams at the World Cup. And we were lucky to get Spain, who are near the top of the FIFA rankings," Bubista said on RFI.
“There’s also Uruguay, who’ve been world champions twice, and former Asian Cup winners Saudi Arabia. We feel very relaxed.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Lamine Yamal, Spain: The 18-year-old winger is La Roja's standout key player due to his explosive dribbling, creativity and ability to decide big matches despite being a teenager. Yamal can hurt Cape Verde with his lightning pace on the wing, precise crosses and clinical finishing.
Ryan Mendes, Cape Verde: At 36 years old, the tricky winger is a key player, serving as captain, the all-time top scorer, and the most-capped player with vast experience. Mendes will look to torment Spain with his clever movement, set-piece delivery and ability to lead quick counters.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
This is the first-ever meeting between Spain and Cape Verde.
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