Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterSpain and Cape Verde will kick off their World Cup campaign on Monday.As reigning European champions, Spain are among the favourites to be crowned world champions while Cape Verde make their first major tournament appearance.Luis de la Fuente's men have failed to win three of their previous four opening World Cup group stage games, including when they clinched the trophy back in 2010.Referee confirmed for Spain vs Cape VerdeThey at least have Lamine Yamal passed fit for a place on the substitutes' bench after he overcame a groin injury sustained in April during Barcelona's La Liga title run..Only reigning holders Argentina rank above La Roja in FIFA's international rankings while Cape Verde have remained steadily in 67th position heading into this game. You may like Spain vs Cape Verde prediction as European champions take on World Cup debutants Cape Verde World Cup 2026 squad: Bubista's final 26-man selection Who is the referee for Mexico vs South Africa? However the minnows from West Africa will dare to dream after topping their qualification campaign at the expense of perennial contenders Cameroon.But who will be the man in the middle in this David vs Goliath clash?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.Jordanian official Adham Makhadmeh has been appointed to oversee Group H's opening encounter, having been a full FIFA international referee since 2013.The 39-year-old is highly experienced of 167 matches at varying levels including an Intercontinental Cup first-round fixture between Pyramids FC and Auckland City.Makhadmeh has also presided over prestige fixtures in the AFC Champions League, and Spain's opening group stage fixture against Egypt in the 2021 Olympics campaign.He will be assisted at Atlanta Stadium by two fellow Jordanians in Mohammad Alkalaf and Ahmad Alroalle, while Andres Rojas from Colombia is set to be the fourth official.Should Makhadmeh fail to complete his duties, another Colombian is on standby to complete the line-up, with Alexander Guzman named as the game's reserve referee.A sell-out crowd of over 75,000 is expected for this showdown, which will see the Group H table take shape ahead of Saudi Arabia and Uruguay's clash later on Monday.TOPICSSpainCape Verde IslandsWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Richard Buxton
