Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterEven in the extended 48-team format, there aren't many games at this summer's World Cup that feature such a gulf in reputation and expectation as Spain vs Cape Verde.After disappointing showings at the past three editions of the competition, a young Spain showed at Euro 2024 that they are now in a new era, with genuine potential to match the achievements of their golden generation of 2008-2012.Up first for them is a complete newcomer to the World Cup in the shape of Cape Verde.Spain vs Cape Verde score predictionThere's not really a diplomatic way to say this: it should, on paper, be a walkover for Spain.That is not intended as any disrespect to Cape Verde, who have earned their place at the tournament in convincing fashion through the African section of qualifying. You may like Cape Verde World Cup 2026 squad: Bubista's final 26-man selection Spain squad World Cup 2026: Luis de la Fuente's World Cup squad is ready How to watch Spain vs Iraq for FREE: Live stream details Manager Bubista led his country to the top of their six-team group by four clear points, soundly beating Cameroon to automatic qualification.Cape Verde are quick on the counter-attack and proved adept at catching sides on the hop by cleverly picking their moments to rob the ball.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Their squad is drawn from leagues around the world, with clubs from Spain, Ireland, Turkey, Portugal, the Netherlands, Cyprus, Hungary, Bulgaria, Finland, Romania, Russia, Israel and the United states all represented.But they will be expecting an immensely difficult afternoon against a Spain side packed with genuine megastar names who almost exclusively ply their trade at Europe's biggest clubs, and also Tottenham.Luis de la Fuente also has the advantage of keeping together most of the key players from that triumph two years ago, and that winning pedigree could be important later on in the tournament.You can't help but wonder what the Cape Verde squad were thinking when they watched Germany's 7-1 demolition of Curacao on Sunday afternoon.If Spain come at them at anything like their best, we may be in for a similar scoreline in Atlanta. It would be a lot more fun if we were wrong.Score prediction: Spain 6-0 Cape VerdeTOPICSSpainWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Steven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
