Spain begin their World Cup 2026 campaign on Monday when they take on tournament debutants Cape Verde in Atlanta.The reigning European champions arrive in the United States in excellent form, having gone 10 matches unbeaten and won seven of those games. Spain rounded off their preparations with a convincing 3-1 win over Peru and will be expected to make a strong start in a group that also includes Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.For Cape Verde, this is a historic occasion. The Blue Sharks are appearing at a World Cup for the first time after an impressive qualifying campaign and head into the tournament with momentum following back-to-back 3-0 friendly wins over Serbia and Bermuda. Table of ContentsTeam News for Spain v Cape VerdeExpected Line-ups for Spain v Cape VerdeWhere to Watch Spain v Cape VerdeStats for Spain v Cape VerdePrediction for Spain v Cape VerdeResponsible GamblingTeam News for Spain v Cape VerdeSpain have received a boost with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams returning to full training after recent injury setbacks. However, both players are expected to begin on the bench as De la Fuente manages their workloads ahead of tougher tests later in the group stage.Vctor Munoz remains a doubt because of muscular overload, which could open the door for Ferran Torres and Alex Baena to start alongside Mikel Oyarzabal in attack.Pedro Porro is expected to feature at right-back, while Rodri, Pedri and Fabian Ruiz should form Spains first-choice midfield trio.Cape Verde have no injury concerns heading into their World Cup debut.Expected Line-ups for Spain v Cape VerdeSpain predicted XI: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, Alex Baena.Cape Verde predicted XI: Vozinha; Steven Moreira, Logan Costa, Roberto Lopes, Joao Paulo; Kevin Pina, Deroy Duarte; Ryan Mendes, Jovane Cabral, Gilson Tavares; Dailon Livramento.Where to Watch Spain v Cape VerdeKick-off is scheduled for 12:00 local time in Atlanta on Monday, with kick-off in the UK at 17:00.In the UK, the match will be shown live on ITV, with streaming available through ITVX.Stats for Spain v Cape VerdeThis will be the first ever meeting between Spain and Cape Verde.Spain are unbeaten in their last 10 matches across all competitions.La Roja have won seven of those 10 games.Spain have not progressed beyond the last 16 at any of the previous three World Cups.Spains last World Cup triumph came in 2010.Cape Verde are making their first appearance at a FIFA World Cup.The Blue Sharks have won each of their last three matches.Cape Verde have scored nine goals and conceded none across those three victories.Ryan Mendes is Cape Verdes all-time leading scorer with 22 international goals.Spain are ranked among the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup.Prediction for Spain v Cape VerdeCape Verde deserve enormous credit for reaching their first World Cup, but Spain possess significantly greater quality across the pitch and should control proceedings from start to finish.The European champions may rotate some attacking options given the long tournament ahead, but they should prove too much for the tournament newcomers. A comfortable Spain win looks the most likely outcome.Prediction: Spain 3-0 Cape VerdeResponsible GamblingGambling should always be approached as entertainment, not as a way to generate income. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, there are several organisations you can contact for free, confidential support.National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week)GamCare: www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware: gambleaware.orgGamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk (free self-exclusion service)Tools available through bet365 include deposit limits, session time reminders, loss limits, self-exclusion and Reality Checks. These can be accessed via the Safer Gambling section of your account at any time. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Topics Cape Verde national football team Spain National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read World Cup 2026: Full list of confirmed teams, fixtures, groups and results Ben Miller 14th June, 2026 Spain boss De la Fuente reveals his concern at Lamine Yamals World Cup chances Jon Fisher 13th June, 2026 Yamal gives Spain boost as Barcelona star returns to team training Nicholas McGee 11th June, 2026 World Cup Sweepstake Generator: Will you get England, Brazil, France or Curacao? Jon Fisher 11th June, 2026 World Cup 2026: How long is Lamine Yamal out? Latest news, injury update and Barcelona and Spain wingers reaction to hamstring problem Ben Miller 10th June, 2026 World Cup predictions: Will it be France, Spain, Argentina or maybe even England? And what of Messi and Ronaldo? We offer our expert insight Jon Fisher 12th June, 2026
